8 Core Skills Employers Want

Career & Self-development

Keep improving yourself and your career by learning new things and gaining new experiences.

  • Utilize Career Services’ resources
  • Attend career fairs to meet people
  • Regularly update your resume
  • Research your future industry and skills needed

Communication

Share information, ideas, and opinions clearly and effectively with others.

  • Write research papers
  • Take a speech or communication course
  • Join a group like Toastmasters to practice public speaking
  • Learn how to speak on the phone and how to write professional emails.

Critical Thinking

Analyze situations and make decisions based on understanding the context and using logical reasoning.

  • Get involved in research projects
  • Join class discussions
  • Take on a leadership role in a student organization
  • Challenge everything; Ask why when you aren’t sure

Teamwork

Work well with others to achieve shared goals.

  • Team up on class group projects
  • Volunteer for events like the Big Event
  • Get a student or part-time job or internship where you work with others

Leadership

Use your team’s strengths to reach organizational goals.

  • Run for a leadership position in a campus club
  • Start a new student group
  • Join programs like Project Pull or SGA
  • Mentor others

Professionalism

Show good work habits and act in a way that benefits a larger community.

  • Dress for success and do well in your classes
  • Attend career fairs
  • Get an internship or part-time job
  • Join organizations such as Women in Business, Elite Women, ExCEL Scholars

Global/Intercultural Fluency

Demonstrate the awareness, knowledge, and skills to understand and interact well with people from different backgrounds.

  • Study abroad
  • Get to know people who are different from you, and seek to understand their point of view
  • Attend events that celebrate different cultures on campus

Technology

Understand and leverage technologies ethically to complete tasks and accomplish goals.

  • Build a LinkedIn prole
  • Develop skills in presentation software
  • Become Microsoft Office certified
  • Be aware of all technology used in your future profession