Winter break is almost here and while travel and gathering with others may be limited this year, find some opportunities to focus on your career development while also taking time to recharge and rest.
Focusing on your future career is crucial while developing as a student. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified 8 career readiness competencies that new graduates should be able to demonstrate as they enter the workforce.
Similarly, health professional schools will assess an applicant’s qualifications based on the demonstration of a number of different competencies relevant to the profession. Each health profession’s national association provides a list of competencies important to the profession. For example, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) provides a list of core competencies they want to see in first year medical students.
Here are some ideas for how to use some of your time this winter break related to career development:
- Watch videos developed by the CBS Career Team on topics related to:
- Health professional school admissions (interviewing, exploring health careers)
- Graduate school planning (writing personal statements, application timeline, asking for letters of recommendation)
- Career industry exploration
- Create or revise your resume and cover letter.
View our resume samples and instructional guide and our cover letter guide. - Search more than 10,000 jobs and internships listed on GoldPass powered by Handshake. Upload your resume to Goldpass for employers to view.
- Get to know people in your area of interest through informational interviews.
While job shadowing and face to face contact is very limited, connecting with alumni by joining the CBS Mentor Network or through the University of Minnesota Maroon and Gold Network or LinkedIn. - Create/revise/finish your LinkedIn profile.
Join the College of Biological Sciences group to connect with alumni. - Learn how to get involved in research at the University.
- Research the CBS Major Pages to learn more about job and graduate school outcomes of CBS alumni in various majors.
- Review common and behavioral interview questions and develop answers.
Better yet, schedule a mock interview to prepare for health professional school, graduate school, and job interviews.
CBS Career Coaches are available to meet with you over winter break to discuss these activities. Schedule an appointment.