Opportunities to Develop Your Skills

Investigate the many ways you can develop skills on and off campus!

COMMUNICATION

Articulate thoughts and express ideas effectively using oral, written and non-verbal communication skills (to instruct, inform and persuade), as well as listening for meaning to gain understanding.  The ability to deliver information in person, in writing, and in a digital world.

Ways to develop this skill:

  • Work with tutors at the Writing Center to strengthen your writing skills
  • Ask faculty for feedback and tips on your writing
  • Join ND's campus "Toastmasters" club
  • Attend a CUSE workshop on “Writing a Strong Grant Proposal”
  • Write professional, well-edited emails to professors, employers, alumni
  • Proofread online and written communication to avoid errors
  • Develop and deliver a presentation for a class
  • Check for understanding when speaking with others by asking clarifying questions
  • Practice interviewing/speaking skills with Big Interview
  • Take a class that emphasizes speaking extemporaneously

 

TEAMWORK and INTERPERSONAL

Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively with others in a team setting through shared responsibility, empathy and respect.  The ability to manage emotions and conflict with others while contributing towards a common goal.

Ways to develop this skill:

  • Collaborate with others on a class project where responsibility is shared and not divided
  • Handle difficult conversations in person with respect by learning conflict management skills
  • Consider others’ perspectives before making a decision
  • Join a student organization that involves team projects
  • Participate in a service activity through your dorm or other on-campus groups
  • Participate in a Community Engagement Course to develop your understanding of differences and strengthen your interpersonal skills

 

LEADERSHIP

Motivate, organize, and delegate work by leveraging the strengths of individuals.  The ability to use empathetic skills and a positive attitude to guide and influence others while reaching a shared goal through adaptability and effective decision-making.

Ways to develop this skill:

  • Take a leadership role in your hall, with a campus club or organization 
  • Demonstrate initiative at your campus job or service project
  • Motivate team members in a group with a positive attitude and leverage their strengths when delegating work

 

CREATIVITY AND PROBLEM-SOLVING

Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, synthesize information, make decisions and solve problems.  The ability to think critically and strategically to develop original ideas and innovative solutions.

Ways to develop this skill:

  • Develop an action plan with specific steps to solve a problem
  • Brainstorm solutions to a problem before bringing it to a professor or supervisor
  • Do creative activities – puzzles, creative writing, poetry, drawing, art
  • Engage in an activity outside your comfort zone

 

PROFESSIONALISM AND PRODUCTIVITY

Demonstrate integrity, resilience, accountability and ethical behavior.  The ability to take initiative, maintain effective work habits (prioritize, plan and manage work) to produce high quality results and project a professional presence.

Ways to develop this skill:

  • Use a planner or calendar to prioritize work/assignments and meet deadlines
  • Reflect on a recent challenge and identify areas of growth and improvement for the future
  • Review your social media through the eyes of a future employer and determine appropriateness

 

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Respect the viewpoints of those from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions and lifestyles to build collaborative relationships and communicate effectively.  The ability to appreciate, value, and learn from other cultures and perspectives to move beyond tolerance.

Ways to develop this skill:

  • Attend an event on campus that encourages you to step outside of your comfort zone
  • Browse offerings--classes and events--at the Keough School for opportunities to develop a better understanding of global affairs
  • Engage in conversation with individual who have different perspectives that your own
  • Participate in a study abroad or volunteer experience to broaden your horizons

 

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

The understanding and knowledge of how to use digital devices and applications in novel and complex contexts.

Ways to develop this skill:

  • Take additional coursework in Microsoft and/or advanced computer programs
  • Find ways to utilize and incorporate using technologies in your assignments, campus activities, organizations
  • Take on online course to learn a computer language
  • Sign up for one of Notre Dame’s OIT IT courses - all students are welcome.  If 5 or more students would like a certain course,  the department will set up a special time for them that fits their schedule!