Whether you’re a freshman or senior, your goal at MSU is the same: preparing for life after college.  We at Career Services want to help.

Some students come to us with well-formed plans and anticipate the transition to the work world with confidence.  They are resourceful, have a sense of purpose, and don’t give up until they secure a career opportunity that fits their interests.  Others, though, get to the final stretch unprepared for the hard work a job search entails, and are surprised to learn that getting a degree does not guarantee getting a job!

There’s much more to it.  You need strong skills and a personal vision–coupled with discipline-specific knowledge–to attract employers’ attention.  The most important factor in a hiring decision, employers tell us, is the ability to articulate what you’ve learned, demonstrated by your accomplishments in and out of the classroom.

Career Services, with assistance from our Employer Partners, created a guide to let you know about the expectations in the workplace and how they are connected to college experiences.  The competencies (skill sets) described here should be considered fundamental to your MSU education.  Although these aren’t the only skills employers seek, they appear repeatedly in entry-level job descriptions.

The 12 Essentials for Success: Competencies Employers Seek in College Graduates guide doesn’t just define these competencies.  It shows–through examples–how these fit in the workplace.  It also gives suggestions on ways you can gain experience in these areas while at MSU.  Developing your skills and talents takes time and effort, but the investments you make now will pay dividends for a lifetime.

–Kelley Bishop
Executive Director
Career Services

HELP!  I need a hand figuring out how to describe my experiences and connect them to the world of work.  I’d like to make an appointment to meet with a career advisor.