5 Weeks To Go: Careers for Liberal Arts Majors
Some of you may be thinking, “Career? I haven’t even figured out what I want to major in yet.” Others of you may already have a career goal in mind. But whatever decisions you’ve made, or haven’t made, so far, thinking about careers is kind of like thinking about majors. To a certain extent, you don’t have to be too worried about career this early in your academic career since any of the majors in CLA can prepare you for a variety of jobs. But it certainly helps one prepare and plan if they are thinking about where they want to go after they graduate. Here are some things to think about when thinking about careers.
First of all, remember that no matter what you major in, your liberal arts education will help you develop the kinds of skills most employers are looking for. In 2000, the National Association of Colleges and Employers completed a survey of organizations and business and identified the top ten personality traits and skills they seek in their employees. Students develop these same top ten skills and characteristics while completing their degrees in CLA:
1. Communication skills
2. Motivation/initiative
3. Teamwork skills
4. Leadership skills
5. Academic achievement/GPA
6. Interpersonal skills
7. Flexibility/adaptability
8. Technical skills
9. Honesty/integrity
10. Work ethic and Analytical/problem solving skills
Career and Co-Curricular Activities
To become marketable to employers, it is important to think about what you want to do outside the classroom. Several of the opportunities at the University of Minnesota are perfect for developing marketable skills and qualities even further.
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Service Learning experiences and courses are available in a variety of departments. Such opportunities allow you to get practical experience outside the classroom. You may even be able to earn credit for the experience you gain: http://www.servicelearning.umn.edu/students/courses/index.html.
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Internships are probably one of the first things student think of when considering how to obtain job experience while going to school. In addition, internships allow you to “try out” certain career fields, which will help you figure out what jobs you are a good fit for. To look for paid or upaid internships, go to http://www.goldpass.umn.edu.
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Student Activity Groups allow students to meet with peers and others who may help you meet your career goals, while developing planning, teamwork, and organizational skills. There are more than 650 registered student organizations available, or you can create your own: http://www.sua.umn.edu/.
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Leadership is a vital job skills and the University also offers opportunities to lead and to learn to lead. Workshops, retreats, and awards are offered through Student Activities: http://www.sua.umn.edu/leadership/. LeaderQuest and a Leadership Minor is also offered: http://www1.umn.edu/lead/.
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On or Off-Campus Employment is another practical way to get hands on experience, and get paid to do it. Look for unique job offers at the University’s on-campus job search tool: http://employment.umn.edu. Or look for other off-campus jobs at GoldPASS: http://www.goldpass.umn.edu.
Above all, remember that the Career and Community Learning Center in 135 Johnston Hall is CLA’s one-stop office for career searches and career planning, as well as investigating and identifying majors of interest: http://cclc.umn.edu/. Remember, don’t wait until your senior year to plan for a job search; the earlier you check in at CCLC the better. At the website or 135 Johnston Hall, you can look for interesting careers or job opportunities, attend workshops to help you maximize the growth and learning you can obtain at the University, take a Strong Interest Inventory to help you identify the careers or majors you might find most interesting, and take advantage of on-campus job recruiting done by major companies through Minnesota and beyond.
Have fun exploring! Next week, learn how to get to know your neighbors: New Student Weekend!
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