Simply having good grades and completing a degree are not enough to get a job in today’s rapidly changing economy. In addition to a solid academic background, employers want you, as a university graduate, to have demonstrated ability in the following five skill areas.
- Communication
- Ability to verbalize, write, listen, give presentations, facilitate discussions, and share knowledge effectively
- Technical
- Ability to appropriately apply technology and effectively use major software and the web to accomplish job responsibilities
- Leadership
- Ability to lead, gather resources, coach and allow others to lead
- Teamwork
- Ability to work effectively with others and to collaborate successfully
- Interpersonal
- Ability to relate to colleagues and customers, inspire others, resolve conflict, be tactful, understand cultures, and show diplomacy
Build These Skills Now
- Campus and Local Organizations Where You can Build Career and Life Skills
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As an undergraduate student you can begin to acquire these skills and traits NOW! Be ready to provide examples of how you have used these skills and how you can use them to make immediate contributions in a work setting to an employer.
The best way to present your qualifications is to demonstrate your skills using your experiences.
The more you can demonstrate the skills and traits employers desire, the more marketable you will be.
So start now. Incorporate skill development into your academic experience.
- EPICS (Exploring Pathways in Career Success)
- Competency Builder, an interactive tool will help you:
- Learn the five skills employers rate as most desirable in college graduates
- Identify skills you posses
- Learn how you can build and enhance your skills in your time at the University of Illinois
