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Faculty of Science

Science Careers & Experience Centre

Science Professional Competency Framework

The Science Professional Competencies are the key skills that you need to be successful in the workplace and navigate your professional pathway. They were created in collaboration with in-demand employers, which means that applying the competencies is the best way to help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Remember: A Competency is more than just a ‘skill’.

A competency is a combination of skills, knowledge, and abilities that help you succeed in the workplace and in your studies. Each competency in the framework has “components” to help you identify areas of strengths and development.  Unlike individual skills, competencies are broader and apply across many roles, industries, and career paths.

  • Competencies prepare you for real-world challenges — Think of them as tools you can adapt to navigate your career journey.
  • Competencies help you bridge the gap between your academics and the workplace — Competencies help you talk about your experiences in ways employers understand.
  • Competencies stay relevant beyond graduation — Whether you’re working, studying, or exploring, you’ll keep building these throughout your life.

To learn more about the Science Professional Competency Framework, visit Introduction To Science Professional Competencies – Science Careers & Experience Guidebook.