Transferable skills may be of greater assistance to students entering the job market than profession-specific expertise, University Health Services Director Sarah Van Orman said as part of University of Wisconsin-Madison’s first student employee retreat Saturday.
The event, held at Gordon Commons, was collaboratively organized by UHS and WiGrow, an initiative aimed at providing students with opportunities to gain adaptable talents through student employment “that can be applied to any future endeavor,” according to the program’s website.
Van Orman said many of the “core skills” employers look for, such as customer service, writing and outcome measuring skills, as well as overall professionalism, can be gained through student employment.
In addition to featuring speakers focused around social justice and stress management, the retreat offered mock interview sessions and resume workshops for students employed by the university.
Van Orman added it is important for students to seek advice from professionals working in their fields of interest.
“Just talk with people,” she said. “There are a lot of things that steer us in our path, but I think talking to people gives you ideas about being creative as far as how you find things that you like.”
Van Orman said students should pursue their passions while maintaining an awareness of changing career prospects.
“I absolutely think people should get degrees in the things that they’re interested in,” she said. “Just be aware of what are the skills that you’re learning that you could transfer to professions, and be realistic about what the job market is.”
WiGrow will host a similar retreat for student employees Feb. 14.
Courtney Kessler contributed to this report.
