Cultivating Career Success

How can UD’s robust liberal arts education translate into finding one’s vocation and future career success? In this Q&A, Shannon Blatt, MA ’14, senior director of the Office of Personal Career Development (OPCD), discusses what employers find attractive about UD graduates and the many resources available to students to explore various career paths.

What resources are available to students through OPCD?

We help students explore their vocation and build the skills they need to become successful candidates for jobs, internships and graduate programs. We do this through oneon-one career coaching, hosting workshops and informational sessions with experts and employers, and connecting students to alumni mentors.

How does UD’s liberal arts education help graduates stand out with employers?

Employers continue to tell us that they are less concerned with a student’s major than with that student’s ability to think critically, collaborate and communicate. UD students are uniquely qualified to do all three because of UD’s Core Curriculum. The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely is the foundation of almost any job. The volume of academic writing that UD students complete through the Core sets them apart from candidates who don’t have exposure to these habits of mind.

What are the best ways for students to find internships or for graduating seniors to find jobs?

Students should use all the resources available when seeking jobs or internships. First, students should visit an OPCD career advisor for resume support, LinkedIn reviews and job search recommendations. Next, students should check out Handshake, a job and internship posting platform that connects students with companies vetted by our staff. Finally, students should read OPCD’s weekly newsletter, where we communicate many opportunities from alumni business owners and friends of UD.

How can alumni help students who are seeking work opportunities?

We recommend that students reach out to alumni via LinkedIn or email when seeking career advice from an alumnus who works in a particular field or company. Alumni can help this process by being responsive to students and meeting with them to share their wisdom and insights. Alumni can also contact OPCD when either they or their company has job or internship opportunities that would be appropriate for UD students.

What are some new initiatives the OPCD is focused on in the coming year?

Our team focuses on helping students explore their vocation — where their deep happiness and the worlds’ deep needs meet. This is the first step in a rewarding and successful career. In addition, OPCD provides multiple opportunities for students to gain skills that help make them competitive candidates for job and internship opportunities.