Overview
This unit supports you in identifying and developing core professional practices and skills required by all graduates to succeed in the future world of work. You will learn about core foundation disciplines; develop study, organizational, and planning skills; and learn about your strengths and weaknesses. These disciplines and skills will develop your understanding of how these are connected to your future career choices. You will explore your chosen profession and career opportunities, planning your course and study path to develop the knowledge and skills needed to achieve your career goals. Throughout this unit, your academic and critical thinking skills will be enhanced creating opportunities to effectively engage in future studies. You will commence building an e-portfolio in this unit to showcase your academic and professional work, projects, and competencies to prospective employers. The e-portfolio will record discipline-based contextual practice that will prepare you well for study, work, and engagement as a global citizen contributing to communities and industry.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 3 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
| Assessment Task | Part Weighting (% of assessment) |
Assessment Security Level | Gen AI Guidance Levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Assessment 1 - Personal Gap Analysis (40% of unit ) | |||
| Personal Gap Analysis (Report) | 100% of 40% | Low | AI-Assisted (Guided Collaboration) |
| 2. Assessment 2 - E-Profile (60% of unit · 3 parts ) | |||
| Part 1 – Critical Reflection and Personal Capability Matrix (Reflective Practice Assignment) | 50% of 60% | Low | AI-Assisted (Guided Collaboration) |
| Part 2 – Digital Portfolio / Resume (Portfolio) | 20% of 60% | Low | AI-Assisted (Guided Collaboration) |
| Part 3 – Video Presentation of Critical Reflection (Presentation) | 30% of 60% | Low | AI-Assisted (Guided Collaboration) |
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Academic Progression Policy and Procedure
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE
Students valued the practical knowledge and professional skills developed through the unit, particularly where learning was connected to real-world and career contexts.
Continue incorporating practical activities and real-world examples across different disciplines and career pathways. This will help students connect professional skills development with their studies and future careers and maintain the strong practical focus of the unit.
Feedback from SUTE
Students indicated that clear and constructive assessment feedback is important in helping them understand their progress and how they can improve their future work.
Continue strengthening assessment feedback by providing clear, constructive and actionable comments that recognise students’ strengths and provide guidance for further development. Feedback should support students in applying what they have learned to future assessments and their ongoing academic development.
- Identify and report on the personal and professional capabilities and attributes necessary for career success, and how you can attain them with your chosen study plan
- Apply multi-modal communication skills for effect.
- Collect and interpret evidence from a range of quality sources to inform responses to routine problems
- Construct a professional e-Portfolio that showcases your skills, capabilities, attributes and achievements.
Not applicable
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
|
1.
Assessment 1
(40% of unit )
Report
|
||||
|
2.
Assessment 2
(60% of unit · 3 parts
)
Part 1 -
Reflective Practice Assignment
Part 2 -
Portfolio
Part 3 -
Presentation
|
||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
k.lin@cqu.edu.au
WEEK 1
Begin Date: 09 Nov 2026Module/Topic
Welcome to CQ University
Chapter
Learning materials are provided for you within the topic block in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
This is a non-teaching week, designed to introduce you to your learning journey at CQ University.
During this week, you’ll learn where to find your learning materials, assessment information, and sources of help and support.
The content is provided through a recorded lecture, and all supporting resources are available on Moodle.
WEEK 2
Begin Date: 16 Nov 2026Module/Topic
The characteristics of an effective professional
Chapter
Learning materials are provided for you within the topic block in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
This week you will learn about the key characteristics that good professionals should have.
We begin your critical thinking journey as you evaluate the characteristics of the professional.
ALC conducts a session on Academic Writing: Note-making, paraphrasing, and APA referencing.
WEEK 3
Begin Date: 23 Nov 2026Module/Topic
Meet the Professionals
Chapter
Learning materials are provided for you within the topic block in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
This week provides a deeper understanding of what is a profession and professionalism. The discussion will also expand into why people join these professions. What skills and knowledge do they need?
We will evaluate the profession and professionalism with a critical mind.
WEEK 4
Begin Date: 30 Nov 2026Module/Topic
Finding the Gap
Chapter
Learning materials are provided for you within the topic block in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
This week, the concept of capability and the capability gap matrix is introduced, followed by mapping out capability gaps using capability gap analysis. This will serve as a roadmap for a successful learning journey at CQ University.
What knowledge and skills are needed, and where can they be obtained?
ALC conducts a session on Academic Writing: Essays.
WEEK 5
Begin Date: 07 Dec 2026Module/Topic
Building the Ethical You as a Professional
Chapter
Learning materials are provided for you within the topic block in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Ethics is a significant part of being a successful professional. This week, the meaning of ethics in relation to a professional and student career is considered.
There is also a focus on academic integrity this week, which then translates into professional integrity.
WEEK 6
Begin Date: 14 Dec 2026Module/Topic
Be Positive
Chapter
Learning materials are provided for you within the topic block in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
This week, the focus is on "Be Positive", discussing health and wellbeing.
Presentation by a guest speaker from the CQ University Mindwaves Program.
Personal Gap Analysis Due: Week 6 Friday (18 Dec 2026) 11:55 pm AEST
Mid-Term Break
Begin Date: 21 Dec 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
WEEK 7
Begin Date: 04 Jan 2027Module/Topic
Professional Communication I
Chapter
Learning materials are provided for you within the topic block in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Emails and other forms of short messages are an everyday necessity for professionals. Crafting an effective short message requires skill.
Work begins on developing short-form communication skills.
WEEK 8
Begin Date: 11 Jan 2027Module/Topic
Professional Communication II
Chapter
Learning materials are provided for you within the topic block in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
This week focuses on long-form communications, especially report writing, highly useful for the second assessment.
WEEK 9
Begin Date: 18 Jan 2027Module/Topic
Presentations, Visuals, and Public Speaking
Chapter
Learning materials are provided for you within the topic block in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
How is a message shared with a room full of professionals? Oral presentations require time and practice to master.
The elements of successful presentations will be considered, along with the important roles of both the audience and the presenter.
A compelling story for the presentation will be mapped out.
ALC conducts a session on setting up the E-Profile.
WEEK 10
Begin Date: 25 Jan 2027Module/Topic
Welcome to your E-Profile I
Chapter
Learning materials are provided for you within the topic block in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
This week introduces the e-profile. Work on Assessment 2 continues.
ALC conducts a session on Assessment 2 Help and Guidance.
WEEK 11
Begin Date: 01 Feb 2027Module/Topic
Welcome to your E-Profile II and Revision
Chapter
Learning materials are provided for you within the topic block in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Continue developing the e-profile and revising. Further work on the final assessment is required.
Critical Reflection and Personal Capability Matrix Due: Week 11 Friday (5 Feb 2027) 11:55 pm AEST
Digital Portfolio / Resume Due: Week 11 Friday (5 Feb 2027) 11:55 pm AEST
Video Presentation of Critical Reflection Due: Week 11 Friday (5 Feb 2027) 11:55 pm AEST
WEEK 12
Begin Date: 08 Feb 2027Module/Topic
Review
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
This is a non-teaching week.
Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Feb 2027Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
WEEK 12
Begin Date: 07 Feb 2028Module/Topic
Review
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
This is a non-teaching week.
1. Assessment 1 - Personal Gap Analysis ( 40% of unit )
Report
This assignment aims to help you better understand the skills and attributes needed to succeed in your chosen profession and what you need to do to better fulfill the demands of the profession.
Use the gap analysis template that is provided on Moodle, you will reflect on the characteristics and requirements of your chosen profession and match them to your current capabilities. The difference between your current and required capabilities represents a capability gap. You will examine your personal capability gap and explain how you can "fill in" your gaps during your study with CQ University.
In addition to the capability gap matrix, you will provide a critical reflection on your proposed learning journey, identifying opportunities to fill in their gaps.
Your submission will be a single Microsoft Word document, which will contain:
- The completed capability gap matrix.
Your critical reflection.
A reference list of all sources used in the critical reflection.
Learning Outcomes Assessed
- Identify and report on the personal and professional capabilities and attributes necessary for career success, and how you can attain them with your chosen study plan.
- Apply multi-modal communication skills for effect.
- Collect and interpret evidence from a range of quality sources to inform responses to routine problems.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS) Level 2. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. AIAS level 2 states: AI can be used for pre-task activities such as brainstorming, outlining, and initial research. The focus is on effectively using AI for planning, synthesis, and ideation while independently developing and refining these ideas. You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your submission must demonstrate how you developed and refined these ideas.
Week 6 Friday (18 Dec 2026) 11:55 pm AEST
Students are to submit their work via the Moodle site. Please note that late submission incurs a penalty of 5% per day.
Week 8 Friday (15 Jan 2027)
The grades will be released via Moodle.
1. The Task
This assignment aims to write an essay that will help you better understand the skills and attributes needed to succeed in your chosen profession and what you need to do to better fulfill the demands of the profession. To complete the task, you must address the following:
- Identify and discuss the characteristics and requirements of your chosen profession.
- Complete the capability gap template (available on Moodle) based on your current capabilities.
- Identify, compare, and critically reflect on the differences between your current capabilities and the characteristics and requirements of your chosen profession.
- Reflect on your learning journey and identify opportunities to fill the gaps during your study at CQ University.
2. Essay Structure
- Title page with your name, the name and code of the unit, the title of the assessment, and the word count.
Introduction. - The completed capability gap matrix (using the template on Moodle).
- Your critical reflection i.e. the answers to numbers 1-4 above the task section.
- Conclusion.
- A reference list of all sources used in the critical reflection.
3. Requirements
- Headings can be used.
- The template provided by the Academic Learning Centre can be used.
- Word count is measured from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion and includes in-text referencing. Not included in the word count are the title page and the reference list.
- Use 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font with 1.5 line spacing.
- Include page numbers on the top right side of each page in a header.
- Use formal academic language.
- Use first person; for example, ‘I’, my’.
- Use a minimum of 5 scholarly references in the essay to support your ideas. Scholarly references include journal articles and textbooks. You may also include additional information from reputable websites, providing the information is also recent and reliable.
- In-text citations and the reference list must use the seventh edition American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. The CQ University Academic Learning Centre has an online APA Referencing Style Guide.
4. Submission
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
Marking Criteria and Marks Allocation
- Introduction & Thesis Statement 6%
- Conclusion 6%
- Body Paragraphs 8%
- Discussion 60%
- Grammar, Spelling, Tense, Tone, Academic Language, and Word Count 10%
- Referencing 10%
- Identify and report on the personal and professional capabilities and attributes necessary for career success, and how you can attain them with your chosen study plan
- Apply multi-modal communication skills for effect.
- Collect and interpret evidence from a range of quality sources to inform responses to routine problems
2. Assessment 2 - E-Profile ( 60% of unit · 3 parts )
Part 1 - Reflective Practice Assignment
The aim of this assessment is to support you in building a professional digital portfolio (e-Portfolio) that highlights your academic achievements, skills, goals, and career aspirations. Your e-portfolio will serve as a foundation for your professional identity and can be shared with prospective employers, mentors, or industry contacts.
The aim of this part of the assessment is to encourage you to critically reflect on your personal and professional development and evaluate your progress since Assessment 1. You will revisit and improve your Personal Capability Matrix by reflecting on your strengths, identifying improvements in your skills and capabilities, and developing strategies to address remaining skill gaps and achieve your future career goals.
To complete this part of the assessment, you must:
-
Critical Reflection: Reflect critically on your personal and professional development, including your strengths, areas for improvement, and future career aspirations.
-
Personal Capability Matrix: Review and update your Personal Capability Matrix from Assessment 1, demonstrating how you have addressed identified skill gaps, strengthened your capabilities, and planned for further personal and professional development.
Learning Outcomes Assessed
- Identify and report on the personal and professional capabilities and attributes necessary for career success, and how you can attain them with your chosen study plan.
- Construct a professional e-Portfolio that showcases your skills, capabilities, attributes, and achievements.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS) Level 1. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. AIAS level 2 states: AI can be used for pre-task activities such as brainstorming, outlining, and initial research. The focus is on effectively using AI for planning, synthesis, and ideation while independently developing and refining these ideas. You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your submission must demonstrate how you developed and refined these ideas.
Week 11 Friday (5 Feb 2027) 11:55 pm AEST
Students are to submit their work via the Moodle site. Please note that late submission incurs a penalty of 5% per day.
Exam Week Friday (19 Feb 2027)
The results will be released after grade certification.
Your critical reflection and improved Personal Capability Matrix will be assessed based on:
- Completeness, relevance, and quality of your updated Personal Capability Matrix.
- Ability to identify and evaluate your current strengths, capabilities, and skill gaps.
- Depth of critical reflection on the differences between your current capabilities and the skills, characteristics, and requirements of your chosen profession.
- Evidence of meaningful self-evaluation and understanding of your personal and professional development needs.
- Identification of relevant areas for improvement to support your future career aspirations.
- Appropriate integration of relevant sources to support your critical reflection, with accurate in-text citations and a reference list following APA 7th edition conventions.
- Identify and report on the personal and professional capabilities and attributes necessary for career success, and how you can attain them with your chosen study plan
- Apply multi-modal communication skills for effect.
- Collect and interpret evidence from a range of quality sources to inform responses to routine problems
- Construct a professional e-Portfolio that showcases your skills, capabilities, attributes and achievements.
Part 2 - Portfolio
The aim of this assessment is to support you in building a professional digital portfolio (e-Portfolio) that highlights your academic achievements, skills, goals, and career aspirations. Your e-portfolio will serve as a foundation for your professional identity and can be shared with prospective employers, mentors, or industry contacts.
The aim of this part of the assessment is to support you in developing a professional digital portfolio (e-Portfolio) or résumé that showcases your academic achievements, skills, experiences, and career aspirations. This will help you establish your professional identity, demonstrate your capabilities, and effectively present yourself to prospective employers, mentors, and industry contacts.
To complete this part of the assessment, you must:
- Develop a professional digital portfolio (e-Portfolio) or résumé that highlights your academic achievements, relevant skills, professional goals, and career aspirations.
Learning Outcomes Assessed
- Identify and report on the personal and professional capabilities and attributes necessary for career success, and how you can attain them with your chosen study plan.
- Construct a professional e-Portfolio that showcases your skills, capabilities, attributes, and achievements.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS) Level 1. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. AIAS level 2 states: AI can be used for pre-task activities such as brainstorming, outlining, and initial research. The focus is on effectively using AI for planning, synthesis, and ideation while independently developing and refining these ideas. You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your submission must demonstrate how you developed and refined these ideas.
Week 11 Friday (5 Feb 2027) 11:55 pm AEST
Students are to submit their work via the Moodle site. Please note that late submission incurs a penalty of 5% per day.
Exam Week Friday (19 Feb 2027)
The results will be released after grade certification.
Your e-Portfolio (LinkedIn profile) or résumé will be assessed based on:
- Completeness and relevance of information, including education, work experience, skills, and achievements.
- Professional presentation, organisation, formatting, and visual appeal.
- Quality of your professional photo (for LinkedIn profiles).
- Clarity and effectiveness of your professional summary, headline, or career objective.
- Ability to communicate your professional identity and personal brand effectively.
- Identify and report on the personal and professional capabilities and attributes necessary for career success, and how you can attain them with your chosen study plan
- Apply multi-modal communication skills for effect.
- Collect and interpret evidence from a range of quality sources to inform responses to routine problems
- Construct a professional e-Portfolio that showcases your skills, capabilities, attributes and achievements.
Part 3 - Presentation
The aim of this assessment is to support you in building a professional digital portfolio (e-Portfolio) that highlights your academic achievements, skills, goals, and career aspirations. Your e-portfolio will serve as a foundation for your professional identity and can be shared with prospective employers, mentors, or industry contacts.
The aim of this part of the assessment is to develop your communication and presentation skills by presenting a critical reflection on your personal and professional development. Through a video presentation, you will demonstrate your ability to reflect on your learning experiences, evaluate your progress, and communicate your achievements, challenges, and future development goals.
To complete this part of the assessment, you must:
- Video Presentation of Critical Reflection: Prepare and deliver a video presentation summarising your critical reflection, highlighting your personal and professional growth, key learning experiences, improvements in your capabilities, and future development goals.
Learning Outcomes Assessed
- Identify and report on the personal and professional capabilities and attributes necessary for career success, and how you can attain them with your chosen study plan.
- Construct a professional e-Portfolio that showcases your skills, capabilities, attributes, and achievements.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS) Level 1. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. AIAS level 2 states: AI can be used for pre-task activities such as brainstorming, outlining, and initial research. The focus is on effectively using AI for planning, synthesis, and ideation while independently developing and refining these ideas. You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your submission must demonstrate how you developed and refined these ideas.
Week 11 Friday (5 Feb 2027) 11:55 pm AEST
Students are to submit their work via the Moodle site. Please note that late submission incurs a penalty of 5% per day.
Exam Week Friday (19 Feb 2027)
The results will be released after grade certification.
Your video presentation will be assessed based on:
- Clarity and organisation of the presentation.
- Ability to communicate your critical reflection effectively.
- Relevance and usefulness of the information presented.
- Audience engagement and overall presentation quality.
- Ability to deliver an informative, professional, and easy-to-follow presentation.
- Appropriate acknowledgement of relevant sources and application of APA 7th edition referencing conventions, where applicable.
- Identify and report on the personal and professional capabilities and attributes necessary for career success, and how you can attain them with your chosen study plan
- Apply multi-modal communication skills for effect.
- Collect and interpret evidence from a range of quality sources to inform responses to routine problems
- Construct a professional e-Portfolio that showcases your skills, capabilities, attributes and achievements.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
