Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels
By Leena Ravindra Subagaran, life sciences student
Starting university, I didn’t fully realise how important communication skills would be for my future career.
Like many students, I expected to focus mainly on lectures, coursework, and exams. However, I quickly discovered that presentations and group work play a much bigger role in shaping skills that employers truly value.
Although I had prior experience speaking in front of others during school, university challenged me in new ways.
Working in diverse groups
Group projects required more than just sharing my ideas - they pushed me to actively listen, adapt to different working styles, and collaborate effectively with others. One of the most significant challenges I faced was working in diverse teams.
As an international student, I often collaborated with peers from a wide range of cultural and academic backgrounds. Initially, this felt intimidating, but it soon became one of the most rewarding aspects of my university experience.
I developed the ability to communicate more clearly, minimise misunderstandings, and appreciate different perspectives — all essential skills in today’s global workplace.
Presentations
Presentations were another major area of growth. Regularly speaking in front of a class helped me build confidence and improve how I organise and express my ideas.
Over time, I became more comfortable explaining complex concepts and responding to questions under pressure — abilities that are highly valued across many career paths.
Developing transferable skills
These experiences taught me that communication goes far beyond simply speaking well. It involves teamwork, active listening, adaptability, and the ability to convey ideas effectively.
These are transferable skills that employers look for, regardless of industry.
My tips for developing your communication skills
- Take every group project seriously — it’s an opportunity to strengthen teamwork skills
- Embrace presentations rather than avoiding them — they build confidence over time
- Be open to working with new people and learning from different perspectives
Looking back, I now understand that university is not just about gaining academic knowledge.
It’s also about developing the skills that prepare us for the workplace. Communication is one of the most important of these — and it’s something we build every day, often without even realising it.
Are you looking to develop your transferable skills for the workplace? Talk to our advisers about the opportunities open to you at Nottingham.
If you need help articulating your skills on application forms, CVs or at interviews, we're here to help you every step of the way. Check out our web resources and then book an appointment with one of our team.
Posted on Tuesday 12th May 2026