Skill Development

Are you career ready?  What does that mean?  Learn more here about the skills and competencies that employers seek and expect from qualified candidates, and also ways to build those skills through resources provided by Pitt.

At the University of Pittsburgh, we know learning happens beyond the classroom.  We also know employers want more than just soft skills; they want individuals with the mindsets that lead to growth in their career.  This is where skill development comes in – and we’re here to help!  In 2015, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) launched an initiative to introduce 8 career competencies every college student should have upon entering the workforce.

Wondering where to start developing your skills?  Pitt’s Outside the Classroom Curriculum (OCC) is a great way to add structure to your college experience by identifying programs, events, and activities that align with career competencies.  By downloading the Suitable mobile app, you can see upcoming activities in Career Preparation, Leadership Development, Global and Cultural Engagement, Communication Skills, and more!  Don’t forget to also check out the Career Ready Guide in the resources below – an interactive study guide that dives deeper into the NACE competencies.

Life After Pitt: Work-Life Balance, A Guide for Seniors and Rising Professionals

Congratulations, Pitt Graduates! As you embark on your post-college journey, navigating the complexities of work-life balance becomes paramount. This guide aims to equip you with practical tips, insights, and resources to maintain a healthy equilibrium between your professional and personal …

By Ingrid Beute
Ingrid Beute Career Consultant, Engineering & Science & Career Champions Program Coordinator
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Life After Pitt: Benefits

Congratulations on securing a job!  It’s important to consider not just your new salary, but all of the benefits offered with your new job.  Let’s look at some of the standard benefits you will need to make decisions about.

Time …

By Ryan Sweeny
Ryan Sweeny Associate Director
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Life After Pitt: Negotiating a Compensation Package

Your Job Offer

Congratulations, you are excited! You just received a job offer from the company you wanted. What’s next? Do you accept this first offer, especially when eager to get started? Or should you initiate a conversation about the …

By Marie Newkirk
Marie Newkirk Assistant Director for Experiential Learning
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Mastering Personal Finance: Financial Tips and Insights for Women Graduating College

Graduating from college is an exciting milestone, but it also brings new financial responsibilities and challenges. As women enter the workforce and begin their professional journeys, it is crucial to develop a strong foundation in personal finance. In this article, …

By Raquel Montalvo Perez
Raquel Montalvo Perez Student-Athlete Career Consultant
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The Key Attributes Employers are Looking For on Graduates’ Resumes

Students hoping to catch the eye of potential employers through their resume should forego relying only on their strong GPA and instead highlight the attributes and skills they developed in their classwork and through their various experiential assignments, according to …

By Kevin Gray
Kevin Gray Associate Editor
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Skill Development Resources

Positive Interview Skill-Building Action Plan

This structured, daily practice plan will facilitate building skills to manage anxiety, enhance confidence, improve …

Pitt Career Resources

Elevate your academic and professional journey through research, publications, and effective communication tools. Finding research as an undergraduate—whether at Pitt …

Experiential Learning Schratz Grant

Frequently Asked Questions by Students

Eligibility

What are the eligibility requirements for this grant?

2. Do I need to be …

Career Center In-Person Services

  • 200 William Pitt Union
  • 412-383-4473
  • Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
  • Drop-In Hours: Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Career Center Virtual Services

Career Center Partners