Career Showcase is for Liberal Arts and Sciences Too!
This article was originally published in the December 2004 / January 2005 issue of CLASnotes
Career Showcase: The O’Connell Center is filled with opportunities—you just have to attend.
Many liberal arts and sciences students struggle with the question “What should I do with my life?” because they define themselves by their major, and consequently only consider careers that directly relate to their own field of study.For example, most criminology majors tend to think of law enforcement, intelligence agencies and law as the only career options available to them. Sociology and philosophy majors sometimes believe the only thing they can do with their major is teach or go to graduate school. This approach to career exploration and job searching is too limiting.
Many employers who attend UF’s Career Showcase are interested in students who have the ability to communicate effectively, think critically and creatively and solve problems—skills that CLAS graduates possess.In a study published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers rated verbal and written communication skills as the most important skill they look for in candidates.Other skills and qualities that employers value include honesty and integrity, the ability to work in a team effectively and get along with others, enthusiasm and motivation, critical thinking, adaptability, leadership, creativity and organization skills.
CLAS students should stop defining themselves by their major and start thinking about careers that value their skills. All students are strongly encouraged to attend Career Showcase on February 1-2 from 9 am to 3 pm in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. There will be full-time, co-op and internship opportunities during the two-day fair. The first day will feature opportunities in technical fields such as computer science, construction, engineering, information systems/technology and scientific research.The second day is for non-technical fields that include accounting, banking, consulting, government, human services, management, retail, sales and other fields without a scientific or technical focus. Visit www.crc.ufl.edu for more information.
—Farouk Dey, Assistant Director
for UF Career
Development Services
Photo:
Courtesy Career Development Services