Develop Your Knowledge and Skills
Employers identify these competencies as very important when recruiting entry-level candidates. As a Laurier student, you gain these skills through the opportunities available to you.
Functional Knowledge
- Gain an understanding of why some behaviours (and not others) are defined as criminal, the causes of law-breaking behaviour and how society reacts to crime.
- Gather and assess information related to the prediction and management of criminal and deviant behaviours.
- Develop an awareness of human and social behaviour and how it is applied to policy development.
- Demonstrate knowledge of public policy, and interpret and assess its impact on society.
- Develop an understanding of various governmental, community and social institutions and their roles, and the ability to provide information to assist individuals and organizations to make informed decisions.
- Gain an understanding of how cultural and societal change, and diversity within the community impacts individuals' behaviour and perceptions.
- Study and investigate criminal activities and identify methods of prevention and justice in combination with competencies developed in second major.
- Discover how information is sourced, valued and used in creating new knowledge.
Collaboration and Teamwork
- Work effectively as part of a team by identifying your role and contributing, leading, teaching, motivating and/or encouraging others for team success.
- Oversee, lead and/or contribute to a project including determining goals, planning details, making decisions and completing tasks.
- Demonstrate professional behaviour and an understanding of individual perspectives and diversity.
Communication
- Research, analyze, synthesize and clearly communicate findings in oral and written formats.
- Probe for information by asking questions and listening, and engage in constructive conversations.
- Understand the relationship between information and its presentation, audience, time, place, and purpose.
- Use language to communicate ideas, information and opinions clearly, concisely, and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Prepare interesting and informative reports and presentations for diverse audiences using current technology.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Identify and access a wide range of relevant information and resources.
- Utilize critical thinking skills and demonstrate an understanding of contemporary challenges, issues and trends.
- Set priorities, meet deadlines and manage time, data and resources.
- Make evidence-based decisions, think creatively, identify and consider all sides of an issue.
- Analyze and evaluate data to discuss, support and/or question ideas, opinions, reports, theories and proposals.