College students often overlook the relevance of their liberal arts education to the world of work. While Fishers primary purpose is to provide its students with a well-rounded education, rather than training them for one specific job, many of the skills developed in the classroom have direct bearing on success in the workplace. Throughout their college years, students are required to develop and refine their writing, speaking, and research skills. These skills are fundamental to career success. Part of what distinguishes a liberal arts education is its breadth of exposure to different disciplines. Students must learn to write and speak clearly about and conduct scholarly research on topics outside their majors. The ability to adapt to different environments, to understand viewpoints different from their own, and to comprehend unfamiliar information is important in many careers and essential to job advancement (e.g., promotions and raises). At larger institutions students seldom have the opportunity to give in-class presentations or to receive comments about the style and content of their writing assignments. Fishers smaller classes allow students to take essay exams, not just computer-scored tests that develop their ability to formulate arguments and support them with evidence. Students often underestimate the value of their education and their opportunities to develop job-related skills and, because of this, they are also often unable to sell their skills to potential employers. To become aware of the skills you are developing, reflect on the assignments you have completed in your classes and use the following lists to compare what you are acquiring with what will be expected of you in your future job.
WRITING SKILLS
| In College | On the Job |
| Term papers
and essay tests
Laboratory reports Peer reviewing Notebooks and journals Creative Writing |
Writing reports,
briefs, and proposals
Composing letters and memos Editing and proofreading Keeping clear and accurate records Preparing copy for sales, advertising and publications |
SPEAKING SKILLS
| In College | On the Job |
| Speeches and presentations
Study groups Discussions and debates Group projects Answering questions in class |
Interviewing, supervising,
and counseling
Persuading, negotiating, and selling Making presentations to peers and clients Surveying and soliciting funds and support Working with the public & answering their questions |
RESEARCH SKILLS
| In College | On the Job |
| Library and laboratory research
Independent studies Research Assistant/ Lab courses Literature reviews |
Planning and decision making
Developing ideas and brainstorming Designing and conducting research Gathering, analyzing, interpreting data |
These are only a few of the skills developed in the classroom that have direct on-the-job application. There are also numerous extracurricular opportunities for students to develop other career-related skills (e.g., leadership and problem solving). Students should use the following three-part strategy to prepare them for success in today's increasingly competitive job market.
Take full advantage of the opportunities that St. John Fisher provides to enable you to develop these skills.
Make prospective employers aware of your skills (e.g., learn how to write an effective resume and develop persuasive interviewing skills).
WHAT DO EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR IN A PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR THEY ARE INTERVIEWING FOR A JOB?
The items in the three major categories of the following outline (taken directly from Edwards & Smith, 1988) are arranged in descending order of importance as rated by a large sample of employers from midwestern government, nonprofit, and commercial agencies, organizations, and companies that often hire undergraduate psychology majors. Psychology students are urged to take advantage of all their undergraduate opportunities to maximize the attainments of these skills, abilities, knowledge, and personal traits.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES