February 13, 2020
Career success today requires key professional skills that are not typically taught in college classrooms. Thanks to a new partnership with the organization futureplans.com, Ursuline students can now earn certification in the very skills employers say they’re looking for.
Through futureplans.com, the College has brought on board Career Development and Placement Specialist Julie Jones, as well as several career coaches. “The key to leading a fulfilling life lies in discovering your purpose and direction,” said Jones, former University of Akron head softball coach. “We coach students toward that discovery, with tools that help them learn what they have to offer and how they best fit into the world.”
Students start their interaction with the CareerFIT office, as it is now called, by taking an assessment to highlight their aptitudes, interests, work values, personality, and passions. They meet with a career coach who helps them understand the results of that assessment, explore potential career matches, and map out an educational and internship path to get there.
Next, students complete at least two – or as many as five – online professional skills certification courses. Once they successfully complete these modules, they earn nationally recognized certification in:
- Self Management
- Communicating Clearly
- Working on Teams
- Thinking on your Feet (Critical Thinking)
- Problem Solving/Problem Identification
“Employers like to see this evidence of a student’s preparation for the work world,” said Deanne Hurley, vice president for student affairs. “We are not leaving career preparation to chance; we are being very intentional in the services we provide and the way we communicate with students.”
Career services at Ursuline are made available to undergraduates, graduate students and alumnae/i.
