Your University College education is grounded in the liberal arts, which focus on writing, critical thinking and study in a variety of academic subjects. Did you know that these are also job skills? Read “Why Businesses Prefer a Liberal Arts Education,” and learn which of these proficiencies you can highlight on your resume:
- critical thinking
- persuasive and thoughtful writing
- research – the ability to complete long-term projects and learn independently
- teamwork
- creativity
University College offers a course for credit that helps you plan your career: General Studies (U03 130). Students in degree programs can also use the Washington University Career Center.
Ready to get started right away? Take these three basic steps to create your own career development plan:
Step 1: Reflect
Career planning begins with self-understanding. Knowing your skills, your values and your goals will help you find a calling that is a good fit.
- Take an online self-assessment such as O-net online, the Jung typology personality type test, or the State of Minnesota’s CAREERwise tool.
- Create your own personal mission statement, write your autobiography or complete a life audit.
- Explore career development resources for Washington University Employees, or use the resources of the Washington University Career Center.
Step 2: Explore
As you learn about your skills, values and goals, begin investigating possible careers that suit your needs.
- Research online tips for career changers.
- Network
- Learn more about networking.
- Learn how introverts can develop networking strategies.
- Interview
- Brush up on your interviewing skills.
- Conduct informational interviews.
- You can also practice virtual interviews through the Career Center website.
- Learn how to create an elevator speech.
- Explore online job resources to learn what types of jobs are available:
- Review CareerLink, the Career Center’s online job and internship listings.
- Check out the State of Missouri’s jobs database.
- Visit the jobs listings from the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment.
- Veterans can learn how to connect military experience to a civilian job at mynextmove.org.
- Veteran students can also check out the online mentor matching program called Veterati.
- Talk to your instructors – they can be a resource for career information, and they may help you land an internship for academic credit.
Step 3: Connect
Create a career plan connecting what you have learned about yourself with your discoveries about different jobs – then begin to make your new career a reality.
- Update your resume. If you have experience in many different work areas, consider creating a master resume.
- Set up a LinkedIn page. Learn how LinkedIn can power a career transition. Highlight your WashU connection by joining the Washington University Alumni Group on LinkedIn.
- Consider creating a professional portfolio showcasing your achievements in school, your job, and your volunteer life.
Career Development can continue throughout your working life – just keep following these three steps as you change fields or advance in your chosen career. Keep us in the loop so we can celebrate your achievements!
Additional Resources