Skills 4 Success

Academics

The acquisition of knowledge and the ability to apply what you learn to real world situations. Numerous resources are available to make learning come alive and be applicable beyond the classroom.

• Engage with professional advisors and faculty members in your area of study:
  • Academic advisors by major
  • Pre-Health guidance from specialists
  • Pre-Law guidance
  • Teacher Preparation
• Take a career-preparation or exploration course or workshop
• Attend lectures, seminars and other academic events
• Participate in peer and e-tutoring services, departmental study groups, and peer mentoring activities
• Check out the academic fact sheet for each degree in the College of Arts & Sciences
• Review 4-year degree plans for any WSU major

Experience

Experience is what you know and gain from observing, encountering, and doing. Experience comes not only from the classroom, but also from extracurricular activities that develop and demonstrate transferable skills valued by employers.

• Complete an undergraduate research experience
• Participate in a job shadowing experience or serve as an undergraduate teaching assistant
• Complete at least one internship
• Participate actively in student clubs or leadership programs:
  • CAS-based student clubs and organizations
  • CAS Student Ambassadors
  • University-wide student organizations and clubs
• Participate in community service or volunteer activities
  • Service learning activities
• Expand your global experience and skills
  • International academic or experiential learning

Skills

Competency, talent, the ability to do things well. Skills come from your experiences, knowledge, and practice. It is not enough to just know things. Your potential for success increases when you possess the skills to communicate well, both verbally and in writing. Organizational, reasoning, teamwork, and leadership skills are also outstanding assets.

• Participate in career and professional development events or workshops
• Develop and maintain a professional resume according to the standards of your discipline
• Present undergraduate research and creative activities at poster competitions such as Showcase, SURCA and at department events, exhibits, and performances

Networking

A network is a group of people with something in common. Networks may be formal or informal, and can be based on any common threads such as professional goals, personal interests, or your field of study. People in a network provide assistance to each other in many ways.

• Meet with faculty mentors or current instructors to discuss opportunities for further engagement in your field of study, graduate education, internship opportunities, and future career plans
• Request letters of recommendation
  • Find ways to connect with faculty in meaningful ways
  • Meet with or email your academic advisor for ideas and information
• Engage with scholarship sponsors; apply or ask your professors to nominate you for scholarships. Review college and departmental scholarship opportunities
• Attend Career Expos and Fairs