As a liberal arts and sciences student, you’ve likely been asked dozens of times, “so what are you going to do with that major?” Then, maybe you start spiraling. Let’s stop using this rhetoric and reframe: As a liberal arts and sciences student, you bring a fantastic repertoire of skills to any industry. I am going to show you how you can highlight 5 key transferable skills on your resume and in your career development.
🗣️ Skill #1: Communication
Communication is key, and it’s #1 for a reason. Companies need strong communicators who can contribute meaningfully to the organization and advance business goals. You’ve had tons of experience with writing class papers, giving presentations, and engaging in class discussions in your courses at Villanova. In your career, this is going to translate into the ability to write clear and concise emails, to deliver compelling presentations, and to develop strong relationships with colleagues. Add a bullet point on your resume under an experience that highlights writing or public speaking.
🧠 Skill #2: Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
You will be an asset to any industry because of your ability to analyze problems and devise solutions. The CLAS curriculum challenges you to analyze information closely, interpret data, and look at topics from multiple perspectives. This will show up in the career sphere, and you want to highlight these strategic skills. Use action verbs like analyzed, evaluated, and synthesized on your resume. They will bring this skill to life!
📔 Skill #3: Adaptability & Learning Agility
Organizations are looking for fast learners who can learn new technology and adapt to the changing workplace atmosphere. As a CLAS student, you have embraced adaptability by engaging in a large breadth of coursework and integrating knowledge learned from different classes. In an upcoming interview, be sure to share a story about how you learned something new quickly and adapted in the face of challenges.
🤝 Skill #4: Collaboration & Teamwork
The truth is: Most jobs require collaboration. Your major has prepared you for collaboration with team-based problem-solving opportunities, peer editing experience, and perhaps involvement in student-led organizations. Highlight leadership or teamwork experiences on your resume; Use strong action verbs like collaborated with, spearheaded, and arranged.
🌎 Skill #5: Cultural Awareness & Empathy
Throughout your education, you have worked across differences and been challenged to embrace diverse perspectives. Your background will lend itself well to an organization where leaders of diversity are needed. You will have the opportunity to contribute to an inclusive workspace. Draw upon your study abroad experience, language study, or campus diversity work, and think about how they have formed your diverse perspective.
Your skills are your superpower. If you want to learn more about how you can showcase your skills, see the directions below to schedule an appointment with a Peer Career Coach!
Steps to make an appointment: Navigate to the Career Center tab on Handshake, click on ‘Appointments’, then select CLAS: Professional Development Appointments.” Lastly, select an appointment type: CLAS Peer Career Coaching Session (30 or 60 minutes).
