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Career Center, Santa Clara University

Build the skills you'll need to land a job you'll love.

Build Skills & Experience

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Build Skills and Experience

In addition to your academic coursework, you must develop your skills through a combination of experiential education, networking and self-directed learning. Use the information on this page to get started. Explore our Career Guides and Job Prep Toolkit for even more ideas and resources.

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What is Career Readiness?

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, these eight competencies are critical to success in the workforce.

Critical Thinking
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Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.
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Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.
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Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.
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Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
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Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.
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Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
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Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.

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Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures. Engage in anti-racist practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism.
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Build Skills and Gain Experience

There are many different ways to build your resume and prepare to enter the workforce.

Internships
Campus Opportunities
Company Challenges
Volunteer
Check out these platforms which offer online classes and tutorials to hone your skills.
LinkedIn Learning Logo

Access all LinkedIn Learning content for free by checking out a pass through Technology Training. Then add LinkedIn Learning "certificate of completion" to your LinkedIn profile.


Coursera Logo

Coursera is a free option that also offers the option to add a certificate to your LinkedIn upon completion.


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The Muse has a resource section filled with free resources to help you.


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For a list of more resources, check out this article.


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Connect With Professionals in Your Future Field

Build your network on LinkedIn now before you need it. Reach out to SCU alums to connect with a virtual mentor working in an industry or organization that interests you.

Check out the Job Prep Toolkit for ideas on how to get started building your network.

Explore our Career Guides and Job Prep Toolkit for even more ideas and resources.