Skip to main content
Career Center, Santa Clara University

Build the skills you'll need to land a job you'll love.

Build Skills & Experience

Build Skills and Experience

In addition to your academic coursework, you must develop your skills through a combination of experiential education, networking and self-directed learning. Use the information on this page to get started. Explore our Career Guides and Job Prep Toolkit for even more ideas and resources.


White upward arrow with jagged path on a purple circle.
What is Career Readiness?

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, these eight competencies are critical to success in the workforce.

People discussing colorful sticky notes on a window, brainstorming and problem-solving.
Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.
A person smiling while holding a coffee cup and using a laptop.
Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.
A group of hands stacked together in a gesture of teamwork.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.
Man working on a laptop in a modern office.
Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
A group of people conversing outside on a sunny day.
Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.
Overhead view of person working at desk with laptop and documents.
Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
People working on laptops and tablets in a modern office setting.
Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.

Multiple international flags displayed at an event called

Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures. Engage in anti-racist practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism.

Icon of a hammer and pencil crossed on a purple circle background.
Build Skills and Gain Experience

There are many different ways to build your resume and prepare to enter the workforce.


Check out these platforms which offer online classes and tutorials to hone your skills.
LinkedIn Learning Logo

Access all LinkedIn Learning content for free by checking out a pass through Technology Training. Then add LinkedIn Learning "certificate of completion" to your LinkedIn profile.


Coursera Logo

Coursera is a free option that also offers the option to add a certificate to your LinkedIn upon completion.


The Muse Logo

The Muse has a resource section filled with free resources to help you.


A flyer which has desktop, keyboard, flowchart and a text which says

For a list of more resources, check out this article.



Alt text: Two speech bubbles inside a purple circle.
Connect With Professionals in Your Future Field

Build your network on LinkedIn now before you need it. Reach out to SCU alums to connect with a virtual mentor working in an industry or organization that interests you.

Check out the Job Prep Toolkit for ideas on how to get started building your network.


Explore our Career Guides and Job Prep Toolkit for even more ideas and resources.