So, what is significant about the end of a semester?  Is it that you have one more course on your transcript?  You’ve completed a very difficult course (or survived a challenging instructor)? Is it that you’re finishing up one of the best classes you’ve ever taken?  Is it that you are moving on to a university next semester?

The ending of the semester is actually the beginning; it’s another step in preparation for your future career.  It’s a good time to take a look at yourself under that microscope or check out the self-portrait for your photography class. Ask yourself, “What have I learned in academic content this semester?”  “Can I see other areas of learning, maybe a “lightbulb” went off about the connection between your classes and your life skills.

Academics are your foundation, and to complement that, we in Career Services and Co-op want to recommend that you develop and enhance your “soft skills” that demonstrate what employers are saying they want, as much or more of, than job content skills. The classroom, student government, student organizations, volunteering, participating in sports, music or drama … all of these are your learning territory.  Ultimately, your first employer after graduation is looking very closely for key professional skills.

A recent article on the monstertrak website echoes many other articles and what employers are saying these skills are.

• The ability to communicate clearly both in speaking and in writing
• Critical thinking, seeing the big picture and being analytical; comprehending what you read
• Self-motivation or initiative to always move forward, demonstrating an eagerness to get the job/task completed
• Proficiency with information, being inquisitive, knowing how to access what you need, understanding systems/the scheme of things
• Problem-solving, being able to identify a problem, research it, plan solutions, decide what to do, do it
• Global-minded, being interested in other cultures and generations;  getting along with many different people
• Team player, contributing skills and abilities with co-workers to achieve common goals.

In an article on California Job Journal website, “Career Pros: Employers Seek Soft Skills,” the author notes that a study of Fortune 500 oil companies revealed the ‘must haves’ for new recruits are such softer skills as: “enthusiasm, drive, creativity, critical thinking, initiative and oral communication.”  The article also stated that hiring managers look for “how well candidates communicate, build relationships, and solve complex problems.”  Many books and articles in news publications and on the Internet continue to inform us about the importance of these personal abilities in the professional world.

We encourage you to set personal, self-management goals to coincide with your classroom learning goals.  The outcomes of this effort can make the difference between getting a job after graduation or finding a rewarding career path. CSCWE offers professional development seminars each semester with speakers from faculty and the business community. If you would like more information about the seminars and other ways to work on these abilities, contact Career Services & Co-op at SCC, 972.881.5781; PRC, 972.377.1781; CPC, 972.548.6747.

Career Bytes

Check out these web articles for further information:

 www.monstertrak.monster.com/resources/careeradvice

 www.hr.dop.wa.gov/jobtips/qualities

 www.jobjournal.com/article_full_text

 www.reach4yourstar.biz/doc/bcemployers

 www.quintcareers.com/job_skills_values