No one cares what you majored in; employers care about what you can do. The best way to make a persuasive case for yourself when talking to employers is to be able to talk knowledgeably about how you’ve used the skills they’re looking for.
A new semester offers a number of ways to gain that experience:
Do you want to be able to explain how you used your excellent communication skills to help a not-for-profit organization? The new partnership between the Department of English and the Community Learning Lab in the School of Social Work will give you practice writing to solve real-world problems. Email ssw-cll@illinois.edu to get information about the available service projects.
Do you want to be able to talk about the internship that taught you the teamwork, editing, social media, communications, or writing skills that employers are looking for? Apply for one! (Deadline for many spring semester internships is Jan. 22).
Do you want to be able to discuss the inner workings of a daily publication? Do you want to be able to demonstrate your ability to write for a deadline? The Daily Illini is looking for writers and editors and to that end is holding Info Nights on Wednesday, Jan. 27 and Thursday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. in Gregory Hall (810 S. Wright St., Urbana, IL 61801), Room 112
Do you want to demonstrate your commitment to the arts and your understanding of the many behind-the-scenes activities that go into making cultural events, performances, exhibits available? Register for the Arts and Culture Career Fair taking place in Chicago on February 5, noon to 2pm and find a summer internship that will help you explore those career paths.
Do you want to talk about your leadership skills? Learn about opportunities to get involved with registered student organizations at the RSO Involvement Fair on Wed., January 27 in the Illini Union.