Career Development Cycle: Building Skills

With Building Skills, you’ll focus on both the specifics of applying to positions and the hands-on experience and skills from coursework, study abroad, campus activities, and internships/jobs. We can help with how to conduct a search, write and target your resume, pen an effective cover letter, prepare for interviews, and even deliver an elevator pitch. 

Goals 

  • Try out career interests through coursework, on-campus activities, study abroad, volunteering, internships or jobs, and more. As you gain experience, reflect on and refine your career goals. 
  • Learn how to target a resume and cover letter to a specific position. Highlight your skills and career readiness competencies. 
  • Develop and practice an elevator pitch, so you are prepared for any professional introduction. 
  • Identify skills needed for a career path of interest. Start building those skills while still a student. 

Suggested Steps 

  • Develop a base resume and cover letter for each type of role you want to apply for, such as operations versus marketing. Don’t forget to customize both your resume and cover letter before applying to a specific position. 
  • Attend employer events, including information sessions, meet and greets, and career fairs. If interested in the organization or a role, speak with the recruiter to build a personal connection. Check our calendar for upcoming events. 
  • Build your professional network, including friends, family, faculty, mentors, supervisors, coaches, and other connections. Identify 3-6 professional references and ask if they would be able to provide a strong recommendation for you. 
  • Utilize tools and platforms available through the CCD. Use VMock to improve your resume. Use Handshake to apply for posted positions and to connect with employers. Use free resources like Forage to demonstrate needed skills and add credentials to your resume. 

More To Explore 

Building Skills and Career Readiness 

Use this as a general guide to understanding what employers are looking for in applicants. Assess for yourself if these are areas in which you feel strong. If not, how can you begin building this competency? 

  • Career and Self-Development: Assume responsibility for own growth and embrace opportunities for development 
  • Communication: Market skills effectively on resume and in interviews 
  • Critical Thinking: Evaluate skills and experiences needed for professional goals and identify ways to develop 
  • Equity and Inclusion: Seek opportunities to work alongside people you may not know and be open-minded to new ways of thinking 
  • Leadership: Seek out diverse perspectives and feedback to inform decisions 
  • Professionalism: Prove ability to accept expectations and maintain positive personal brand throughout experiences 
  • Teamwork: Build positive working relationships and learn to collaborate with others 
  • Technology: Identify needed technology skills and find ways to use and prove proficiency 

For more information and additional examples, view the full list of Career Readiness Competencies. 

Self Discovery
Exploring Careers
Building Skills
Making it Happen