Career Advancement Counseling

Think Outside the Box!
Inside the “careers” box are traditional professions that liberal arts graduates pursue specific to their discipline. History graduates may find historic preservation, government positions, or museum opportunities in this box. English graduates may find journalism, public relations, or publishing in their box. All liberal arts graduates will find the teaching
profession in the box.

Outside the box, the career opportunities expand. This is where liberal arts graduates will find opportunities they might not have considered. This is where history graduates may find themselves pursuing publishing, and English graduates pursuing historic preservation. What’s important, however, is not to lose focus when you are searching outside the box.

Consider the following questions:

• Who? Who do you want to work for? Business, government, or a non-profit organization? Customer service, marketing, sales, development, etc.?
• What? What skills do you most want to use of those you have developed? Organizational skills, writing skills, problem solving skills, communication skills, etc.?
• Where? Where do you plan to live? East Coast, Midwest, North, South, West?
• Why? Why are you interested in a particular industry, organization, or job? *Perhaps the most important question…you’ll need to clearly convey this in an interview.

Think Outside the Classroom!
Do not let your degree necessarily determine your career. This approach leaves too many stones unturned. Start looking beyond the classroom for career interests. Begin researching careers on the web and in libraries. Meet with a career counselor to discuss your interests. Talk to people about their current and past employment. Think about past
experiences you have enjoyed — part-time jobs, campus activities, volunteer opportunities, etc. What activity were you doing when you felt your best? You’ll find career information and opportunities where you least expect them!

SKILLS, SKILLS, SKILLS!!
When political science graduates are hired as financial planners – and they are! – the employer is looking at qualifications other than their major. English writing graduates are offered technical recruiting positions for reasons other than their degree. Liberal arts graduates are hired if they are right for the job…if they have the necessary skills!

Why should you know what your skills are?
• Companies, organizations, and graduate schools want to know! Whether you are applying for a job or admission to graduate school, the question being asked of you during that interview is: “What makes you a qualified candidate?” In other words, “What skills do you possess?”
• Knowing your skills can help you identify possible career paths. Being interested in a career is one thing, but succeeding in it requires more than just interest.

How can you identify your skills?
• Meet with a career counselor to discuss career interests and skills.
• Think back on past experiences…summer jobs, school activities, etc. Remember the praise you received from supervisors, teachers, and advisors. What were you doing to receive the praise? What skills were you using?

How can you develop your skills?
• Participate in classroom discussion, projects, and assignments.
• Become active in a campus activity, club, or organization.
• Volunteer through an organization at home or near campus.
• Work a part-time job during the summer months or school semesters.
• Complete one or two internships before graduating.