When students think of experiential learning the first thing that usually comes to mind are internships. While internships are a great way to build discipline/industry-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), there are other ways to gain the KSAs needed for your desired career path. According to research by Hart Research Associates, employers recommend the following practices for achieving workplace skills:

• • Internships/apprenticeships (94%)
  • Senior thesis (87%)
  • Multiple courses involving significant writing (81%)
  • Research projects done collaboratively with peers (80%)
  • Service-learning project with community organization (69%)
  • Field project in diverse community with people from different background/cultures (66%)

Career-Related Benefits Of Conducting Research

By engaging in research projects, you will have the opportunity further develop the career competencies listed below, among other valuable workplace skills (e.g., problem-solving, creativity, quantitative skills). The below career competencies have been identified by the National Association for College and Employers as highly desired by employers across industries.

Employer Desired Skills:

• • Critical Thinking
  • Communication (written and verbal)
  • Teamwork
  • Equity & Inclusion
  • Professionalism
  • Technology
  • Career & Self-Development
  • Leadership

Figure 1: Top 3 career readiness competencies (importance)

Figure 2: Student and employer ratings for student proficiency in career readiness competencies

Marketing Your Research Experience

In addition to research projects, you may want to also consider highlighting academic projects on your resume. As mentioned above, this is a great way to demonstrate discipline specific-KSAs. The key is to treat your project(s) like you would any other employment opportunity highlighted on your resume.

For more information on including projects on your resume, check out the Starr Career Development Center’s Resume Writing Guide. You can also attend a resume writing workshop and/or have your resume reviewed by a career advisor. To register for either, please log into your Starr Search/Handshake – https://baruch.joinhandshake.com/edu.

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Baruch College Research & Creative Inquiry Expo | May 7, 2024

The Research & Creative Inquiry Expo celebrates the strength and diversity of undergraduate research and artistic expression at Baruch College. Expanded from a single day, this spirited celebration of intellectual engagement and collegiality provides an invaluable opportunity for our students to participate in a community of ideas, articulate the exigency of their research in the world beyond the classroom, broaden their scholarly, professional, and personal communication skills, take risks, and have fun. Students in all majors can submit individual or group projects, which they will present to fellow students, faculty, administrators, and others from the Baruch community.

• • Deadline for posters and media projects is May 1st, 2024 at 1 pm (Submit Here)