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.

Break Through Tech AI is now recruiting students for the 2024/25 Virtual program which will begin in June 2024! Break Through Tech AI is a free, 1-year extracurricular program that helps undergraduate college women (trans and cis), nonbinary, and other …

By Ashley Steffy
Ashley Steffy Career Consultant, STEM
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Thriving in the Virtual Working Environment: How to be successful and advance in your career.

Being successful and advancing in the virtual working environment: Here are some suggestions to facilitate your journey and to THRIVE:

Communicate effectively and regularly: In a remote working environment, it’s essential to communicate regularly with your colleagues and managers. Keep …

By Ingrid Beute
Ingrid Beute Career Consultant, Engineering & Science & Career Champions Program Coordinator
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Engineer Your Own Success: Soft Skills Needed to Thrive

Engineering professionals are often so technically focused that they neglect to develop their interpersonal or core skills.

In the economy today, engineers must be well rounded and capable of more than just being technically savvy.  They must possess skills that …

By Anthony Fasano, Career Guide, ASME
Anthony Fasano, Career Guide, ASME
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What Are the Benefits of Interns and Why Do Companies Hire Them?

What is an intern?

An intern is a developing professional who works at a company for a short time to gain entry-level experience and knowledge about a particular career field. Interns are most often college students, though other adults can …

By Indeed Editorial Team
Indeed Editorial Team
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Mechanical Engineering: Industry Options, Outlook and Required Skills

As a Mechanical Engineer, you can find employment in virtually any field, including non-engineering focused industries such as finance, sales, education, law, government, management, medicine and research.  Industry sectors that may be more focused as options would include the following:

By Ingrid Beute
Ingrid Beute Career Consultant, Engineering & Science & Career Champions Program Coordinator
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Skill Development Resources

Career Center Resources

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