A shift is underway in the job market: employers are increasingly prioritizing skills over traditional qualifications like educational background or extensive job history. This approach, known as skills-based hiring, focuses on the demonstrable skills, knowledge, and abilities you possess, regardless of how or where you acquired them (DOL). These skills are also referred to as either soft skills, employability skills, or career-readiness competencies. To thrive in today’s dynamic professional landscape, college graduates need more than just academic knowledge; they need a specific set of highly valued abilities.

In their Job Outlook 2025, the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE) showed that two-thirds (64.8%) of employers they covered reported that they use skills-based hiring practices for new entry-level hires. This underscores the vital need to develop strong skills for the job search.

College is the ideal environment to cultivate these skills. You’ll gain:

• Job-Specific (Hard) Skills: The technical abilities relevant to your chosen career.
• Stand-Out Soft Skills: Qualities like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication that make a big difference in applications.

Watch this video that differentiates your soft-skills and job-specific skills.

NACE Competencies

The National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE) identifies eight Career Readiness Competencies, which are the critical soft skills employers seek. While often referred to as “soft skills,” NACE uses “competencies” to emphasize that these are broader – they are measurable and developable abilities. The Magner Career Center has developed comprehensive resources to help you understand and develop these competencies/skills employers are looking for. We strongly encourage you to read this page in full and explore the other pages we link to for a complete understanding. Our guidance is based on the Career Readiness Competencies from NACE.

Where & how should I begin?

The eight competencies introduced in the previous section can appear daunting. Like any new talent, you should begin slowly and intentionally. Start with just a few things to focus on and build out from there. Some relevant and crucial skills you can begin with are Communication, Professionalism, and Technology. 

• You can work on your communication skills in class by participating (raising your hand, doing extra credit, visiting your professor during office hours). Or you can join groups like Smooth Talkers or Toast Masters to get help public speaking.

• Learning to present yourself positively and professionally is important for giving good first impressions. You can review this page to learn more tips on your business etiquette and professional communication. You can employ these skills when you have meetings with your professors, or if you go to networking events. 

• Technology is constantly evolving – being able to manage and adapt will be vitally important in the workplace. For example, explore how Artificial Intelligence can help your job search and applications.

How else can I develop skills?

There are many ways you can work on your skills – these can be in the form of micro credentials or in your classes. Here are some additional resources: 

• Review our in-depth page on How to Build In-Demand Professional Skills.
• Get a mentor who can help you learn about skills needed for your particular field and how you can develop them.
• Develop and maintain a positive online presence by having a built out LinkedIn profile!
• Consider attending events, completing mock interviews with a career coach, and joining public speaking club like Smooth Talkers & Toast Masters.  
• Explore our guide to weekly career activities, designed for each week of the academic semester.

Other BC Knowledge Pages with Skill Development Resources

All skill development webpages on BC Knowledge.

Please note: The sites below are not associated with Brooklyn College. Signing up opts you into direct communications with them and provides you with information directly. 

Micro Internships & Job Simulations

Micro internships are short-term, project-based experiences that offer flexibility for students to work on small-scale projects for various companies. It’s advisable to research each posting carefully. Review our Red Flags Page to identify signs of scams and fraudulent offerings.

Parker Dewey
Paid, short-term micro-internships.

Forage
Free virtual work experience program, complete tasks based on real-world scenarios from top companies. 
> Forage is now connected to Navigate. To access it, log in and click “Forage.”

MindSumo
Solve real-world business challenges for companies. 

Extern 
Shorter, often unpaid, opportunities where students can complete projects in their field of interest while also being mentored by professionals.

CUNY Specific Online Courses, Certifications and Micro-Credentials

LinkedIn Learning
Educational platform that helps users discover and develop skills through expert-led course videos. LinkedIn learning is available through Brooklyn College as a student. Set up your account by following the instructions on this page. After you graduate, if you no longer have access through Brooklyn College, you can access it for free through the Brooklyn Public Library.

CUNY Upskilling Programs are specific training tracks designed to provide targeted learning in high-growth industries. See tracks available below:

Business
Gain expertise in key business skills and training that will help to write a business plan and identify the next steps to turn a business dream into a business reality. 

IT & Software Development
Develop programming and other cyber skills. Students will build software development, IT skills and gain knowledge about high growth tech fields like cybersecurity. 

HealthCare Administration
Offers knowledge about how hospitals use tools like salesforce to manage patient data and services. 

Data Analytics
Receive training on Excel and SQL and learn how tools like Google Analytics help companies track business goals. 

Professional Skills
Enhance important workplace skills such as business communication, how to plan and lead meetings, global and diversity awareness, and career readiness.  

Beyond these specific tracks, there are platforms that partner with CUNY that help students enhance their technical and soft skills.

Skillful.ly
Develop technical and soft skills through various programs including recorded on-demand webinars.  

Coursera
Online courses in a variety of fields, from data analysis to marketing. Many of these courses are taught by top universities. 

Other Non-CUNY Upskilling Programs 

IBM Skills Build
With a partnership from the Advertising Education Foundation (AEF) and Index Exchange, a firm which has a sponsored partnership with the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) for Brooklyn College, you will be able to take advantage of the IBM Skills Build to power your future in tech for free, along with several resources offered by AEF and ANA.

Association of National Advertisers (ANA)
Brooklyn College students have access to programs offered by the Advertising Education Foundation (AEF) and the Association of National Advertisers, including Certified ANA Marketing Student (CAMS), MarTech Foundations Certificate Program & SeeHer Education Certificate Program. Visit this flyer for the access code to register for MarTech and this flyer to register for CAMS.

Google Career Certificates
Online training programs that provide professional certificates in high-demand technology fields. The certificates are taught by Google experts and senior practitioners in the relevant fields. Graduates gain access to a job platform where they can apply to jobs from employers in the Google Career Certificates Employer Consortium.  

EdX
Online learning platform that offers courses from universities and organizations around the world. Programs in subjects like computer science, software engineering, and leadership are available.  

Udemy
Udemy has a large collection of free courses in content across a wide range of subjects including technology (like web development, data science, and IT certifications), business, design, personal development, and creative arts.

Internship Programs

Below are some internship programs for seniors or those who will graduate.
Also check out: Internship/Fellowship List for Graduating Seniors.

CUNY Internship Programs
CUNY offers several internship programs that allow students to gain practical experience. There are internships available in a variety of industries taking place throughout the academic year. 

The LifeSci NYC Internship Program
The LifeSci NYC Internship Program is the City of New York’s innovative, paid internship program that provides access to local, diverse talent, helping source undergraduate and graduate students for summer and non-summer internships. Special emphasis on the life sciences, tech, business and more!

Specialty Programs  

These types of programs are designed to help students gain education, develop professional skills and connect with mentors in their industry of interest.

COOP
Tuition-free fellowship matches peer cohorts of underemployed college grads with alumni coaches who support them in building the professional skills and networks they need to get their first professional job after graduation. 

StreetWise Partners
Connecting underrepresented talent to mentorship and career opportunities within the New York and D.C. Metro areas. This program provides the skills, resources and access to networks to secure and maintain employment.   

Apprenticeships 
Apprenticeships are structured programs where students work and train in a specific field, often leading to full-time positions. They combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, providing a comprehensive way to build professional skills. There are various apprenticeships programs in NYC, such as ApprenticeNYC, CareerWise New York, and programs suggested by the Department of Labor.  

Remember that AI is a great start, but any documents & career planning should be reviewed by a Career Coach before being used for applications. Also, remember that AI creates a far inferior product to one you could develop through considerable effort and dedication.  

Exploring Careers

Connecting Major/Interests to Careers

Prompt: I am interested in [interests] majoring in [major] what are some potential career options for me?

Learning About a Career or Job

Prompt: What tasks and responsibilities are completed as a [job title]?

Resume Prompts

Developing a Resume Template

Prompt: I am a [Year] (EX: Sophomore) at CUNY Brooklyn College, studying [Major]EX: Computer Science], seeking internships. Can you provide a sample resume that does not falsify any experiences, only includes my name at the top of the resume, and meets these specifications: [copy + paste resume checklist text from Career Document Guide] 

Modifying Existing Resume

• Prompt 1: I will provide my resume text first, then in the second message I will provide a resume checklist that needs to be used to edit my resume. Here is my resume: [paste resume text or upload file]  
• Prompt 2: Here is the checklist: [copy + paste resume checklist text from Career Document Guide] 

Catering Resume to Job Description

• Prompt 1: I will provide my resume text [or upload file] first, then in the second message I will provide a job description that needs to be used to cater my resume by adding keywords. Here is my resume: [paste your full resume text or upload file] 
• Prompt 2: Here is the job description [copy + paste job description text] 

Cover Letter Prompts

Developing a Cover Letter Template

• Prompt 1: I am a [Year] EX: Sophomore] at CUNY Brooklyn College, studying [Major]EX: Computer Science], seeking internships. Create a one-page cover letter template based on my resume and a cover letter checklist, which I will send in separate messages. Here is the resume: [copy + paste resume text or upload file]  
• Prompt 2: Here is the checklist: [paste cover letter checklist text from Career Document Guide] 

Improving Existing Cover Letter

• Prompt 1: I will provide my cover letter text first, then in the second message I will provide a resume checklist that needs to be used to edit my provided cover letter text. Here is my resume: [paste your cover letter text]  
• Prompt 2: Here is the checklist: [paste cover letter checklist text from Career Document Guide] 

Also, check out: Ben Broch’s Cover Letter Copilot: which creates cover letters based on job description & resume.

Informational Interviewing Prompts

Prompt: I am interested in [interests] majoring in [major] what are some topics I can discuss with industry professionals. I’m not sure where to even start.

Job + Internship Search Prompts

Finding Job/Internship Search Platforms

Prompt: I am a [Year] [EX: Sophomore] at CUNY Brooklyn College, studying [Major] [EX: Computer Science]. Can you find me 10 (*or remove number*) internship & job application platforms that I can use?  

Finding Potential Job/Internships Titles

Prompt: I am going to first provide my resume text, then I’d like you to provide me with a list of 20 internship/job titles I should target based on my experiences. Here is the resume text: [paste your resume text or upload file] 

Finding Professional Associations

Prompt: I am a [Year] [EX: Sophomore] at CUNY Brooklyn College, studying [Major] [EX: Computer Science]. I am going to first provide my resume text, then I’d like you to provide me with a list of 20 professional association organizations I should target based on my experiences. Here is the resume text: [paste your resume text or upload file]

Finding Companies to Apply to

Prompt: I’m looking for entry-level positions as a [career title]. Share companies in [location/region/city/country] that hire for this role?

I am interested in working as a [career title] for [company name]. What are five other companies that hire for similar positions?

Interview Preparation Prompts

Interview Questions

Prompt: I am going to first provide my resume text, then a job description. After receiving both, please create sample interview questions I may be asked. Here is the resume text: [paste your resume text or upload file] and here is the job description [paste the job description or upload file]

Prompt: I am interviewing for a position as a [career title]. Give me a list of the most common questions asked in an interview for this position.

Elevator Pitch

Prompt: I am going to first provide my resume text, then create an elevator pitch I can be used for employers in [industry]

Additional Resources:

• Use ChatGPT’s voice chat feature in the phone app to interview in real-time. You can also ask for advice on how to respond to challenging questions
• Check out: Adzuna: a comprehensive interview preparation tool & question generator through AI

LinkedIn Optimization Prompts

Drafting LinkedIn About Section

Prompt: I will provide my resume text (or my entire LinkedIn profile). Create a sample LinkedIn about section, of at most 100 words. Here is the resume text: [paste your resume or upload file or LinkedIn profile text]

Highlighting In-Demand Certifications

• Prompt 1: I will first provide my resume text, then next send a job description. After I send both entries, then create a list of certifications on LinkedIn Learning that I should pursue to make myself a more competitive applicant. Here is my resume: [paste your resume text or upload file]
• Prompt 2: Here is the job description from [insert company name]: [paste job description]

Magner Career Center Workshop About Using AI in the Job Search

[embedyt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB_e1H8YIkk[/embedyt]

We’ll detail these key attributes that impress employers and provide ways for you to develop them, including suggested courses to help showcase your career readiness.

Important Notes:

• Review the course bulletin each semester to confirm if suggested courses are being offered.
• This is not an exhaustive list of courses for skill development.
• Access LinkedIn Learning courses for free through your public library account.

Career & Self Development

Identify and articulate skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to your desired position and career goals. This also includes being able to identify areas necessary for professional growth. 

Ways to work on these skills:

• Complete the Magner Career Center self-guided Career Readiness journal. This will help you build your career readiness throughout the academic semester.
• Schedule an appointment with a career coach. They can help you map out your goals, identify your strengths, clarify your career path, and determine skills you should develop.
• Join a campus club related to your career interest(s).
• Attend Magner Career Center & club events to meet people with similar interests.
• Complete this skills self-assessment to understand your current strengths and identify areas for further development.
• Be open to constructive criticism and learn from it to improve yourself. For example, after a class presentation, review professor feedback closely and incorporate that feedback into your next assignment.

Oral & Written Communication

This involves your ability to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in both written and oral forms. This includes strong public speaking skills, the capacity to express ideas to others, and the ability to write and edit clearly and effectively.

Ways to work on these skills:

Applicable to Both Oral and Written Communication:

• Consider your audience and how they might perceive what you’re communicating. Before sending an email or speaking to a professor or manager, think about the appropriate tone, vocabulary, and level of formality. Follow our business etiquette page for help.
• Practice reading and writing every day to become a stronger communicator, whether it be emails, for a blog or class assignments.

Applicable to Oral Communication:

• Actively participate in your classes. Frequently raising your hand to ask questions or contribute to discussions is great practice for communicating.
• When preparing a class presentation or speaking to a professor, focus on organizing your thoughts before you speak, and avoid acting on impulse.
• Use the Brooklyn College Speech Clinic, which offers sessions to enhance your speech and presentation skills.
• Join clubs such as Smooth Talkers & Toast Masters as they help with public speaking practice.
• When presenting for your class or speaking with an employer, focus on speaking with confidence and poise. Practice speaking clearly, maintaining a clear, steady tone and pace. Also, be mindful of your body language and make good eye contact. If you need support with public speaking anxiety, Personal Counseling is available to help you build confidence.
• Make good eye contact with your audience: when speaking, look directly at individuals in your audience to create connection and show engagement.

Applicable to Written Communication:

• When conveying a message through writing, always proofread for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors. Consider using writing tools and resources available through the college like the Learning Center for additional support.
• When trying to convey a message through writing, have a colleague review your work. Ask for feedback on clarity, grammar, and overall impact before submitting an important email or report.

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving & Detail Oriented

This competency involves your ability to use reasoning to make decisions and overcome problems. It includes obtaining, interpreting, and using previous and new knowledge to make decisions, as well as enhancing your own way of thinking when you find faults.

Ways to work on these skills:

• Attend campus wide events hosted by departments with guest speakers including the Presidential Lecture series.
• Use university resources for deep learning. Beyond the internet, leverage the Brooklyn College’s databases, academic journals, and research guides to find new information and refine your analytical skills.
• Ask clarifying questions in class and during office hours. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarity on instructions, concepts, or complex theories presented by your professors. If a task for a paper or project seems unclear, ask, “Could you give me an example of what a successful outcome looks like?” These questions should also be asked in the workplace.
• Actively engage with course material. When reading textbooks, articles, or listening to lectures, don’t just passively absorb information. Dissect evidence, identify arguments, and continue to ask yourself “why” to dig deeper into problems. For example, if you’re researching a topic for a paper, ask “Why is this source credible?” or “What are the underlying assumptions of this theory?”
• Listen! This may seem obvious, but are you listening to understand or listening to react? Understanding is essential in critical listening. In a classroom lecture, focus on comprehending the material entirely before formulating questions. In a meeting, spend time understanding all points of discussion.
• Read industry news related to your major or career interests to understand real-world problems and solutions within different fields.
• Be mindful of your own thinking process. As you analyze arguments and solve problems, reflect on your own biases and common “short cuts” in thinking. Being aware of these cognitive biases helps you approach problems more objectively.
• Problem solving is all about being a part of taking on challenges to overcome them. If given a complex assignment, break it down into smaller, manageable steps rather than being overwhelmed.
• Think about processes at your own place of employment and how you can improve them, suggest these changes to your manager. Not all changes will be able to be implemented, but it shows your critical thinking and contributions to the team.

Equity & Inclusion/Global/Intercultural Fluency & Able to Relate Well to Others

This competency emphasizes your ability to value, respect, and learn from all individuals, regardless of their background. Brooklyn College, with its incredibly diverse student body, naturally prepares students for this.

Ways to work on these skills:

• Talk to your classmates in your courses and avoid forming teams with classmates you already know.
• Seek to understand the experiences of others from diverse backgrounds. Attend campus events that celebrate different cultures and/or join student groups focused on diversity and inclusion, such as the Black and Latino Male Initiative, LGBTQ+ Center, CUNY Edge, Immigrant Student Success Office, and the Women’s Center.
• Consider a Study Abroad program to gain firsthand experience in a new culture and enhance your global and intercultural fluency.
• Actively participate in discussions that explore different viewpoints. In group projects, ensure everyone’s voice is heard and valued, especially those who might be quieter. Ask questions to understand different perspectives.
• Familiarize yourself with your company’s (or university’s) inclusion goals and policies. Understand why diversity is important for a productive environment.

Leadership & Taking Initiative

Ways to work on these skills:

This involves your ability to motivate and influence others to achieve common goals, including assessing and managing your own emotions and those of others.

• Join a student club and consider running for an e-board position or to organize an event. 
• Run for a position in Student Government or become active with them.
• Take on leadership roles in your class assignments or projects. Volunteer to be the group leader or the point person for a specific task.
• Bring creative ideas to your tasks and actively contribute these ideas during discussions or meetings. For example, in a group project or meeting with a manager think about creative ways you can accomplish a goal.
• Practice active-listening and take into account different suggestions, feedback, and ideas. Express to team members that their input is valued.
• Motivate/energize others and create a positive work environment. Offer words of encouragement, celebrate small successes, and maintain an optimistic attitude.

Professionalism/Work Ethic

This competency means you demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits. It involves integrity, ethical behavior, acting responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and being able to learn from mistakes.

Ways to work on these skills:

• Sign up for time management workshops with the Brooklyn College Personal Counseling Center.
• The Personal Counseling Center offers resources for studying, managing anxiety, and test-taking, skills directly applicable to workplace tasks and deadlines.
• Effectively communicate with your professors (or internship supervisors/team leaders) when you’re stuck and need help.
• Maintain effective work habits by being organized, planning in advance, and managing your projects and assignments. Use your Brooklyn College Microsoft Outlook account and other tools to stay organized. Here are some Microsoft Outlook guides to help: Outlook Training from MS Office & Be Extraordinary, Top 20 Outlook Tips (Video).
• Network with those around you and build relationships with fellow colleagues. Your classmates are members of your network as well – take the time to get to know them.
• Approach work with both a positive and constructive attitude. If you face a challenging task, maintain a can-do attitude and ask for help. It is not a weakness asking for help!
• Be self-aware, manage emotions, and accept feedback. If you receive feedback, avoid becoming defensive. Listen, ask clarifying questions, and implement the feedback for future projects you complete.

Teamwork/Collaboration

This competency focuses on your ability to build relationships with others from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints and to manage conflict effectively.

Ways to work on these skills:

• Attend campus events, and club meetings to meet new people.
• Volunteer to help a campus club organize an event.
• Join an on-campus sports team to experience collaborative goal-setting and problem-solving in a dynamic team environment.
• Take the time to get to know classmates and club members, understanding their perspectives and interests.
• When working in groups listen to different ideas, be respectful, and encourage discussion. During brainstorming sessions, ensure everyone has a chance to share their thoughts without interruption, especially those who are quieter.
• If you notice a teammate struggling to complete parts of their project offer support or guidance.
• Practice honesty and integrity in all your group projects. Be truthful about your contributions and challenges. 

Digital Technology, Analytical/Quantitative Skills & Technical Skills

This competency involves your ability to leverage technologies to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals, demonstrating adaptability to new and emerging technologies.

Ways to work on these skills:

• Attend and engage in workshops that the Brooklyn College Library hosts.
• Enroll in Brooklyn College courses that help you gain in-demand technical skills, whether as electives or major requirements.
• Stop by office hours to ask professors about in-demand tech tools for your field of interest. Be sure to ask industry professionals as well!
• Work on projects that challenge your technical skills – use technology and different programs you’re unfamiliar with, perhaps for a class assignment or a personal project. Learn more on how to practice these projects & skills by visiting our skill development webpage.
• Employers often organize events where they teach students about in-demand skills: attend and actively engage in these events.
• Be active on professional social media platforms (like LinkedIn) to learn about emerging technologies and industry trends. Follow companies and thought leaders in fields that interest you.

We have prepared a guide that details career activities to complete each week of the academic semester. Follow it below, and make sure to stay connected with us to attend all the awesome career events and opportunities available to you!

We recommend following the timeline listed below which mimics the academic semester. This is a general timeline to help you plan, but some items can be done much earlier! We encourage you to check the date of our job fair and, if needed, do those tasks sooner than the rest of the tasks.

STAYING ON TRACK: To help stay on track will keep an online journal. Use this template to create your journal (be sure to click on “File,” “Download,” and label it with your name). The journal will have actions or responses you need to complete based on the activity. Review the journal at the beginning of each week to see what tasks need to be completed. Below are the topics you will complete each week with detailed information on the various career milestones.

TASKS BY WEEK

Week 1: Get Familiar with the Career Center:

• Become familiar with the Magner Career Center by watching Welcome to the Brooklyn College Magner Career Center! and Magner Career Center Orientation.
  • Name 3 services you are interested in using at the Career Center. Complete Slide 3.
  • Name 1 thing that stood out to you/that excites you. Complete Slide 3.

• Watch at least one video from one of the following playlists. Complete Slide 4.
  • School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences Playlist
  • School of Visual Media and Performing Arts Playlist
  • School of Humanities and Social Sciences Playlist
  • School of Education Playlist
  • School of Business Playlist
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.

• Complete slides 1, 3 & 4 in your journal.

Week 2: Explore Your Interests

• Complete the Ideal Career Self-Assessment on Slide 5. If you need some help getting started, take the Color Q self-assessment to gain some possible insights.
• Reflect on your interests, skills and abilities by completing Slide 6.
• Take the O’NET Online Interest Profiler assessment. Jot down at least 3 careers you want to learn more about. List them on Slide 7 in the Career Interest box.
• Conduct research on these careers using ONETonline and MyNextMove. Complete Slide 7.
• Schedule a group appointment with a career coach to discuss your career interests and what you learned. Complete Slide 8 to prep for the appointment.
• Reflect on your group discussion. Complete Slide 9.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.

• Complete slides 5 through 9 in your journal.

Week 3: Getting Career Ready – Resumes

• Draft your resume by using the resources on this page.
  • Note: a resume does not only highlight work experience. You can highlight volunteer experience, class work you’ve completed, clubs you are/were a part of and much more.
• After drafting your resume, email it to careernews@brooklyn.cuny.edu requesting feedback on the document. Include feedback you receive on Slide 10.
• Make edits to the resume based on the feedback from the Career Coach. If needed, schedule a group appointment to discuss the feedback. When your resume has been edited, upload it to Handshake.
• Link the edited document to Slide 10.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slide 10.

Week 4: Getting Career Ready – Cover Letters

• Identify at least one internship you are interested in on Handshake and download/save the job description. If you can’t find one on Handshake, try the following resources.
• Draft your cover letter based on the internship you identified by using the guidebook.
• Email your cover letter to careernews@brooklyn.cuny.edu requesting feedback on the document, record the feedback on Slide 11.
• Make edits to the cover letter based on the feedback. If needed, schedule a group appointment to discuss the feedback.
• Link the edited document to Slide 11.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slide 11.

Week 5: Develop Your Pitch

• Take a look at this sample Elevator Pitch (shortened version of the answer to the question “Tell Me About Yourself” – the most popular interview question).
• Write down some points you would say in a 30 to 45 second pitch on Slide 12.
• Practice your pitch with a Career Coach during group session Walk-In Hours and write the feedback on Slide 13.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
• Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slides 12 & 13.

Week 6: Professional Email & Phone Communication

• Review the Business Etiquette page which explains best practices in the workplace.
• Log into LinkedIn Learning with a Brooklyn Public Library card, then complete the following communication module around Business Etiquette: Phone, Email, and Text.
• Based on what you learned, complete the scenarios on Slides 14 & 15.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slides 14 & 15.

Week 7: Job/Intern Fair

• BEFORE FAIR: Attend a job fair prep event. If you can’t attend an event, watch this 3-part prep video playlist. Write down 3 key takeaways from the prep. Complete Slide 16.
• BEFORE FAIR: Make a list of employers you want to speak with along with questions you want to ask. Complete Slide 16.
• DURING FAIR: dress to impress, bring resumes copies and smile!
• AFTER FAIR: Send thank you notes to each employer you spoke with. Refer to resume/cover letter guide pages 29 & 30; use this as a guide not something to copy. Complete Slide 17.
• Reflect on the fair. Complete Slide 17.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2
• Complete Slides 16 & 17.

Week 8: Networking and Mentoring

• Create a profile on LinkedIn.com. LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network. This allows you to build your professional identity online, and stay in touch with colleagues and classmates, as well as discover professional opportunities. Review this page to help build your profile. Complete Slide 18.
• Work with a Career Coach on the LinkedIn profile for feedback during Walk In Hours or schedule a group appointment.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slide 18.

Week 9: Building Professional Relationships

• Review the Building Professional Relationships presentation (BPR).
• Join the Magner Career Center LinkedIn group. Complete Slide 19.
• List alum that you would like to connect with in your field of interest by following these steps. Try to connect with one of the alums by sending them a connection request and a personal note. Complete Slide 19.
• Prep for the Mentor meeting using tips in the BPR. Complete Slide 20.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slides 19 & 20.

Week 10: Interview Prep

• STAR (click link for info on the technique) is a method that can help you organize your responses to behavioral based questions. Make a copy of this STAR Interview tool and come up with at least two STAR stories that demonstrate your skills in an interview by picking an interview question linked in column A1, and then filling in the rest of the columns. Complete Slide 21.
• Make a copy of this “interview organizer” and fill it in. The organizer will help you address other questions you may be asked in an interview. Complete Slide 21.
• Join a group session to discussion interview prep with a career coach.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slide 21.

Week 11: Now That You’ve Built the Foundation – Get Ready to Apply to Internships

• Review Internships 101. Complete Slide 22.
• Review Magner Career Center’s freshman/sophomore programs or junior/senior programs. Either apply to programs or develop a list of programs you plan to apply to. Alternatively, if no programs appeal to you, list your ideal internship position/company. Complete Slide 23.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slides 22 & 23.

Week 12: Personal Branding

• Join an on-campus club. Complete Slide 24.
• Plan to participate in at least 1 of these activities. Complete Slide 24:
  • Volunteer in your local community
  • Clean up your social media accounts by reviewing them in the eyes of an employer
  • Start a social media account for your career interest
  • Create a blog or personal website
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slide 24.

Week 13: Professional Development:

• Complete the Career Readiness Self-Assessment in your journal and identify at least one competency you would like to work on. Slides 25 to 31.
• Using LinkedIn Learning (free with your Brooklyn Public Library card) watch a video about the competency you selected that you want to work on the most.
• Create a short video or presentation that shows what you learned from the material you read and the video you watched. This is an opportunity to reflect on the past few months and what you learned. Slide 32.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slides 25 to 32.

Week 14: Goal Setting

• Review Magner Career Center’s page on Goal Setting.
• Develop a Career Plan (click link to download) which will cover the next 2+ years at Brooklyn College and sum up everything reflected on in your journal. Complete Slide 33.
• Register for a Magner Career Center event. Note: the workshop should be completed by the end of the semester. This can be any event that you are interested in.
  • Once you complete the workshop, in your journal reflect on what you learned from the event. Include the name of the event and the topic. You will see this task each week, you only need to register and attend one event. Complete Slide 2.
• Complete Slide 34.

Week 15 & Beyond: Catch Up & Staying Engaged

• Use this time to finish any tasks you didn’t have a chance to complete. We know you had a busy semester, and if you didn’t complete everything that’s okay!
• Be sure each semester you attend our events, especially our Job/Internship Fair, work with the Career Center to establish and refine goals/your resume, apply to opportunities, and engage with your campus community!

Here are some essential tips to help you shine at your next business meal which features tips from Training Connection’s “Business Dining Etiquette” and the Career Centers.

Before Arriving:

• Do your research: take time to research the people you’ll be dining with and on the company. This will help you prepare thoughtful questions and engage in meaningful conversations.
• Be prepared to share a bit about yourself. Having an elevator pitch prepared will help you feel confident when it’s your turn to speak.
• Look at the menu in advance to make it easy to decide what you’ll order. A good rule of thumb is to avoid ordering the most expensive or messy items on the menu.
• Plan to depart for the meeting with enough time to travel and account for possible delays. If you are too early, go to a coffee shop or window shop in a store. 
• Greet your host and wait for further instruction to be seated. 

Understanding Your Place Setting

Don’t let a fancy table intimidate you! Most business meals will have a standard place setting. Here’s a simple way to remember it:

• Solids on the left, liquids on the right – plates are always placed on the left, while glasses are on the right. 
• Forks are on the left, knives and spoons on the right.  
• The rule for utensils is to work inward toward your plate as the meal progresses. Place settings are organized so that with each new meal course presented, the guest can use the outermost utensil(s).

Using Your Napkin: 

• Once everyone is seated, gently unfold your napkin and place it on your lap. If it’s a large napkin, you can fold it in half first.
• Keep your napkin on your lap throughout the entire meal.
• If you need to step away, place your napkin on your chair to signal to the server that you will be returning.  

During the Meal:

• Follow the host’s lead. Wait for your host or the most senior person at the table to sit down and to signal when it’s appropriate to begin eating.
• Mind your manners:
  • Keep your elbows off the table while eating. 
  • Avoid talking with your mouth full.
  • Chew quietly and don’t slurp your drinks. 
• Ask questions and listen intently.
• If you need something that is not within your reach, politely ask the person next to you to pass it to you.
• Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages; stick with non-alcoholic options.

After Dining:

• Your host will pay the bill, thank them for doing so and for having you.
• Exchange contact information: before leaving, politely ask attendees for their email or connect with them on LinkedIn to stay in touch.
• Email the host to thank them for the invitation to the meal and any other professionals you met.
  • If applicable, send your resume to any professionals who asked for it.
• Stay engaged: research upcoming events with the company to attend and show your continued interest. 

Possible Situations and Solutions:

• If you have dietary limitations: If you cannot eat a certain type of food or have some special needs, tell your host several days before the meeting.
• You accidentally spilled food or drinks on a guest: Don’t panic. First, sincerely apologize; then, see how you can help, such as by cleaning up.

Customer Service 101

GREETING GUESTS & PROVIDING EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE: 

• Maintain a clean, organized desk environment at all times.  
• Maintain good eye contact with guests coming into the office.  
• Smile! Make sure you greet everyone entering the office warmly. Be enthusiastic and keep a positive attitude. 
• Look after your body language – for example no slouching or loudly shuffling papers (especially when speaking to a guest). 
• No inappropriate discussions/conversations/gossiping.  
• Avoid doing school work/class/studying during your working hours.  
• Avoid being defensive if a guest/client approaches you with a problem. Take ownership of the problem and come to a conclusion – Seek assistance from fellow employees or senior staff if needed. 

Phone Etiquette

If part of your job involves answering phone calls, it is best to stick to a script which will get the caller an answer quickly and efficiently. Here are some scripts you can follow which apply to different circumstances you may encounter.

You can follow this basic script when answering the phone: 

“Good morning/afternoon/evening, this is (Company name). How may I assist you today?”
“Sure, I would be happy to help you with that…” 

If you are confused or forget why the caller is calling, do not be afraid to ask! Consider restating the issue/topic back to the caller to have a clear direction of what service/assistance they are seeking.

Have a notepad handy in case you need to take notes down about the call. This is especially useful if the call needs some discretion of privacy.

Follow this basic script for when someone on the phone asks to speak to a specific person: 

• Good morning/afternoon/evening, this is (Company name), How may I assist you today?
• “May I ask who is speaking and the purpose of your call?” 
  • Don’t be afraid to ask the caller to spell their name, especially if it is unclear!
• “Ok, please hold. I will check to see if they are in the office…” 
• If the person being asked for is unable to speak, make sure to take a message!  

When taking a message, ask for:  

• Person’s name and phone number 
• Where they are calling from 
• Purpose of the phone call 
• Urgency of the response  
• Date and time of the call 

Prioritize contacting the person with the message, as it could be a call they were supposed to be expecting.

Follow this basic script for when you are unsure about how to answer a question: 

•  “I am not clear about your question. Would you be able to repeat what it is you are calling in regards to?” 
• “Sure, please hold while I get the answer to your question.” 

• If you need to, put the caller on hold and ask a fellow staff member for assistance. If it will be a long hold, being transparent and updating the caller will be better than to leave them holding without anything.  

Some calls may result in situations where you may have to go “off-the-script”. Be sure to be courteous and polite. Keep a positive attitude, and remember: it’s another person on the other end of the line!

When ending the call, use a standard and proper farewell:

“Thank you for calling (Company Office)! Have a great rest of your day.” 

Email Etiquette

Proper email communication is essential in the workplace. Emails in the workplace are a formal method of communication therefore it is important you represent yourself professionally. Each email should include: 

• Proper greeting (Dear, Hi, etc.) 

• Be specific (make sure you are clear in your purpose for the email). A proper subject line summarizes the reason for the correspondence.  
• Stay concise (most people are very busy and do not have time for long emails, therefore, stay to the point)   
• Reply to emails of the same topic in the same thread. Avoid the clutter of a messy inbox! 

• After 2-3 replies in the same thread you no longer need a greeting as it is a continuation of the conversation

Additional Resources

Make sure to check out our page on dressing appropriately in the workplace, Why is it important to dress appropriately for a job setting? And check out our other pages on Skill Development.

Read through the check-list below to identify what are the best ways to create an eye-catching profile:

Your Overview:

• A Photo in professional attire is key. Profiles with photos are 14 times more likely to be viewed. A Visual Header can be added to your Linkedin account as well.

• Professional Headline tells the reader WHY to keep reading. It is a small strip of text below your profile picture with a 120-character limit.
  • Samples of Professional Headlines that stand out:
    • Aspiring Human Resources Professional. Currently helping students connect to their dream careers.
    • Environmental Science Major, Business Minor at KCC focused on Sustainable Development.
    • Molecular Cell Biology Intern at IDEXX | Integrative Biology Student | Hockey & Student Government.
• About (summary) should be used to position yourself for your next job. Highlight those skills and experiences that support your career direction. Be sure to include industry related keywords. Use ONETOnline.org to search the career you’re interested in to determine keywords you want to use. The first 2 sentences of your profile are all that initially appear. You can try this summary builder exercise to make the most out of your summary.

Detail Your Experiences:

• Experience is a version of your resume. Use targeted keywords and accomplishments.

• Media Links allow you to link media to your LinkedIn account that showcases your accomplishments through websites, videos, and PowerPoints.

• Skills & Endorsements is an important section to customize. Your skills are the keywords that will help you show up in a recruiter’s search. 

• Recommendations from supervisors, coworkers, clients, professors, or fellow students who know you well enhance your profile.

• Additional Sections can be added to enhance your profile. Consider adding sections such as Projects, Courses, Certifications, Languages, Publications, and Volunteer Experience.
  •  LinkedIn learning is available through Brooklyn College as a student. Set up your account by following the instructions on this page. After you graduate, if you no longer have access through Brooklyn College, you can access it for free through the Brooklyn Public Library.

• Customize your Public Profile URL for use on business cards, your resume and in your email signature. In the same section you can also access your privacy settings.

Content inspired from sabrina-woods.com

Check out our other article: How can I use LinkedIn to Find a Job?

• Diversity: refers to the human make-up of an organization
• Equity: Giving everyone what they need to succeed
• Inclusion: Everyone is equally acknowledged and valued 

Think of it like throwing a party:
“Diversity is where everyone is invited to the party, inclusion means that everyone gets to contribute to the playlist, equity means that everyone has the opportunity to dance.” 

There are some categories that serve as identifiers that have been identified to be legally protected from discrimination in the workplace:

Some of the categories that have been systematically identified in the legal context. 

1. Gender: how a person self identifies
2. Religion: the belief in one or many gods
3. Race: cultural/ethnic background
4. Disability: physical or mental impairment
5. Sexual orientation: attraction to other people
6. Socioeconomic status: your social standing or class

• Gender 
  • Self-identification.
  • Most cultures use a gender binary (male and female), those who exist outside these groups fall under the umbrella term non-binary. Not the same as sex. Gender diversity in the workplace refers to an equal ratio of all genders working together.

Did you know that…

• 47% of women have faced gender discrimination at their jobs
• Men are 2x more likely to be hired, regardless of a hiring manager’s gender 
• 26% of transgender workers were fired because of their identity 
• Women have 32% of the wealth men have accumulated 
• 90% of transgender workers report one form of harassment or mistreatment on the job

• Race
  • A race is a categorization of humans based on shared physical or social qualities into categories generally viewed as distinct within a given society. 
  • The term was first used to refer to speakers of a common language and then to denote national affiliations. Not the same as ethnicity. However, both are social constructs used to categorize and characterize populations.

Did you know that…

• 25% of black individuals earn less than their white counterparts 
• 50% of job resumes with traditionally white sounding names receive more callbacks 
• 42% of Americans have been a victim or a witness of racism at work

• Sexual Orientation:
  • a person’s identity in relation to the gender or genders to which they are attracted to.

Did you know that…

• Two-thirds of LGBTQ+ employees reported that they have heard negative comments, slurs, or jokes about LGBTQ+ people at work.
• Half (50.4%) of LGBTQ+ employees said that they are not open about being LGBTQ+ to their current supervisor
• One in five LGBTQ+ employees reported experiencing physical harassment because of their sexual orientation or gender identity–including being “punched,” “hit,” and ‘beaten up” in the workplace.

• Religion
  • A system of faith, belief, and worship 
  • More than 80% of the world claims some sort of religious affiliation

• Socioeconomic Status 
  • A group or individual’s social standing usually measured through one’s education and income status 

Did you know that…

• The amount of money an employee makes can be roughly predicted by the wages their parents earned.
• U.S. workers from lower social-class origins are 32% less likely to become managers than are people from higher origins.
• People from working-class backgrounds who enter high-status occupations earn 17% less on average than individuals from privileged backgrounds

• Disability
  • Common disabilities include: physical, psychological & mental, neurological & intellectual, and vision & hearing.

Did you know that…

• One adult in four has some type of disability, whether visible or invisible.
• 51% of working autistic individuals said that their skills were higher than those their job required
• 33% of working-age Americans with disabilities participated in the workforce vs. 77% of Americans without a disability

Benefits of DE&I In the Workplace

• Increases productivity by 40%
• Increases profits by 60% 
• Better creativity, innovation, improvement, and decision-making

A Diverse Workplace consists of…

• Diverse recruitment methods
• Equal opportunities 
• Internal mentoring programs
• Diverse employee referrals 
• Intersectionality
• Emotional tax
• Understanding bias 

Recognizing biases we may not even realize we are exhibiting is important to create an inclusive environment in a diverse workplace.

• Unconscious Bias
  • According to the University of California, San Francisco, unconscious biases are defined as “social stereotypes about certain groups of people that individuals form outside their own conscious awareness. Everyone holds unconscious beliefs about various social and identity groups, and these biases stem from one’s tendency to organize social worlds by categorizing.” 
  • Unconscious bias can therefore hinder diversity in the workplace and stop progress from happening.

In order to be efficient, one needs to practice productivity, work smarter (not always harder), and organize their time. Read along for useful tips to maximize your work efficiency.

In addition to this, time management is an essential way to manage your work efficiency.

Healthy Habits

1. Time Management – The process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between specific activities. 
   • Good time management enables you to work smarter – not harder.
   • This allows you to get more things done in less time, even when time is tight and pressures are high.
   • Failing to manage your time damages your effectiveness and causes stress. 
   • Being on time is a key part of this. It shows respect for others, builds a reputation for reliability, and ensures efficiency by allowing activities to start smoothly. Punctuality also reduces stress and helps maintain focus.

2. Developing a routine within a schedule
   • Having a routine you stick to as you complete your tasks is a great way to stay efficient. This could like something as small as getting up every day at 12:00 PM for a quick walk or stretch. Or, every morning you take a couple of minutes to write down your objectives and tasks for the day in a planner. Whatever it may be, having something you do every day can help create a habit you stick to. 

3. Taking breaks is also important!
   • Don’t burn yourself out. If you’re feeling tired or unmotivated, take a little break and do something to energize yourself like stretch, walk, call a friend, listen to music, or even watch a scene from your favorite movie!

Try your best to minimize distractions

Distractions can be all around you. Diverting your focus away from your task can start to accumulate until you are completely unaware of what was right in front of you.
Try to find a quiet place to work in. Keep only work related tabs open while you are on the clock. If necessary, set your status to “Do Not Disturb” on your phone or your communication apps to prevent distractions from reaching you.

Having less distractions around you can lead to:

• Decreased Stress
  • With less distractions, we will be able to complete the work we do which also takes the pressure off the other tasks
• Higher Thinking
  • When we are so focused on some tasks, we are limiting our cognitive resources
• Improved Memory
  • Reducing distractions provides more opportunities for our memory to function properly
• Longer Attention Span
  • The more we concentrate, the longer our attention span gets
• Potentially more SUCCESS!
  • Who can really function in a room full with distractions and endless things to remind us about other tasks?

Prioritize, organize, and self-reflect

Tasks can be organized into a matrix.

(1) Set objectives – Understand your task and set goals to help guide you to your desired end result.

(2) Work and Improve – Eliminate wasteful activities, approach your task with extreme effort, and focus. 

(3) Evaluate your Performance – Ask for feedback! Also, think about how you personally feel about your task progress.