CMU Career Guide Central Michigan University Career Guide | Page 10

gaining a competitive edge
Employers and graduate schools look for students who have experience. Involvement in various experiences
helps you build skills that are essential to professional success and can be applied in different settings. The
good news? There are so many ways to stay active in college.

coursework

Don’t be afraid to highlight coursework, group project initiatives, and research in your cover letter or on your
resume. Focus on specific content to showcase your experience.

jobs

Never discount your employment experiences, as all jobs have transferrable skills. It is up to you to
demonstrate and highlight them. If you worked in the food service industry, show your ability to interact
with and handle a diverse clientele. If you worked in retail, highlight your ability to function in fast-paced
environments and possess exceptional customer service skills. Additionally, working your way through
school shows dedication and time-management. If you’re looking for an on-campus, part-time job, you may
want to consider applying with Student Employment Services. For further questions about their services, call
them at [phone].

study abroad

Studying abroad shows employers that you are a global citizen open to having new
experiences. Since most students are not required to study abroad, completing one or more
opportunities will set you apart from other candidates. Also, if you are studying another
language, employers will see that you can adapt to new situations quickly and have bilingual
skills needed in a global economy. Be a healthy risk-taker and get involved with study abroad.
Call [phone] to schedule an appointment.

involvements

Registered student organizations, co-curricular activities, sports, and Greek life are great places to network,
develop your communication, time management and teamwork skills, and participate in leadership
development activities. As with any experience, highlight your accomplishments as they relate to the
position you are seeking. Get started at www.cmich.orgsync.com.

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