Help your student succeed at the University of Illinois -
Encourage:
- Good study habits early in his/her academic career - GPA's are hard to elevate after poor performance for a couple semesters
- Involvement in student organizations - campus involvement should be balanced against demands of the classroom. It is often more beneficial if students exert leadership or have impact in 2-3 organizations rather than simply being a member of a dozen.
- Enhancement of leadership skills and other "soft" skills required for professional success
- Management of his/her Illinois experience by thoughtfully planning which courses to take, taking advantage of meaningful opportunities, and using the vast resources available to students
Besides successful completion of the degree, employers seek graduates that have strong soft skills. A recent survey of employers conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers indicate the top five skills sought by employers in new graduates are:
- Communication skills
- Strong work ethic/initiative
- Teamwork skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving skills
Skills for Success - What Employers Want - referenced from The Career Center
Links to help your student with professional development
College Students and Career Success: Where do Parents Fit In? - referenced from The Career Center and Parent Programs Office
Helping your Student Conduct a Job Search - referenced from The Career Center and Parent Programs Office
