August 2009 Newsletter

Dear All:

It’s a lovely day here in Champaign Urbana; blue skies but not too hot or humid. It is a great day to start classes, to explore campus, and to settle into the new semester. The first week is always a bit hectic for returning and new students alike as they navigate around campus, start classes and homework, continue tweaking schedules, buying books and course materials, finding new friends, getting involved with clubs and sports and generally just acclimating to the academic and social climates. Yet it is an important week.

Many of the habits a student exercises in the first week can set the tone for the semester to come. It is very important for students to develop the time management and course management habits that will benefit them as the courses progress. Towards that end, it is worth restating my tried and true secrets of success that I share with all incoming students during their freshman/transfer student registration program.

Students should . . .

ALWAYS Go to class!
Sit near the front, take notes (and don’t rely on posted power points)
Check the syllabus and plan ahead to complete assignments in a timely manner
Use a calendar planner and map out study time, homework time, assignments and exam dates
Get hold of ALL the textbooks
Prepare for class by reading materials BEFORE class periods and especially before discussions
Be an active participant in class and talk to instructors!!
Develop good time management and study skills. Balance academic and social priorities
Meet with advisors early and, especially for freshmen, frequently
Take classes to explore interests.
Watch friends’ advice, always double check with academic advisors
Become a well rounded student and citizen through academic, social, and extra-curricular experiences
Volunteer
Study abroad
Join a club/society
Extern/intern
Take electives
Have fun, connect and engage with the instructor and fellow students

Working with DGS

Every DGS student is assigned their own, personal academic advisor. Most students will have, by now, been contacted by their advisor. It is never too early to come on in and meet with an advisor just to connect, or to ask questions about classes, majors, and engagement options. All DGS advisors as on what we call Express Advising this week – it’s “drop-in” advising, first come first served. Next week, however, the advisors return to being on an appointment system. I always recommend students, especially, freshmen call to make an appointment by the second or third week of the semester to chat about their adjustment, about how they are enjoying classes, and what plans those classes are inspiring for further course or major exploration.

The advisor is a great resource in working with a student as the student work towards determining the right major for them, their abilities, interest, and values. I know many of our students are looking ahead to the important decision of choosing a major. Students have a good deal of time to explore their options, and their academic and career ideations, before they have to declare a major. Students can remain in DGS until their junior year! But it is important for students to approach the decision with a certain sense of intentionality or with a structured plan - our advisors are skilled in helping students map out such endeavors. The student and the advisor have a number of other options and resources to bring into the exploration frame: GS 101 or GS 102 should acquaint students with many of the additional resources to explore, there are a number of good interest inventory type of assessments available (many through our Career Center (http://www.careercenter.uiuc.edu/) there are workshops and presentations across campus, career fairs, the annual Majors and Minors fair, and the Apply Yourself workshop at DGS, and even another class EPSY 220.

It is really important to note that their really isn't anything like a "bad major" for a career. Employers hire individuals, NOT majors. It is, of course, important to get a good GPA. Many recruiters will use the GPA as a filter, an indicator of intelligence, work-ethic, adaptability, and trainability to employers. Most careers that our students get don't necessitate a specific training, that's what the employers do; they will train the student for the job.

What most employers want to see is a well rounded, dynamic student with an enhanced set of universally applicable skills and competencies. Check out a good resources developed by DGS and the Career Center, “Skills for Success” at http://dev.careercenter.uiuc.edu/skills/default.asp

The most comprehensive study to date of what employers are looking for in prospective employees list the following traits in order:

Communication Skills
Honesty and integrity
Teamwork ability
Interpersonal Skills
Strong work ethic
Motivation
Flexibility
Analytical ability
Technological competence
Organizational skills
Attention to detail
Leadership ability
Self-confidence
Friendly personality
Well-mannered
Tactful
GPA
Creativity
Sense of humor
Entrepreneurial Skills

Think for a moment . . .

What major best encapsulates the above skills?

ANY MAJOR

These describe personality traits, not a major.

Most of these skills are developed by linking classroom experiences with life experiences. Therefore, the right major for your student is the one they find motivates them, the one they really enjoy, and the one they perform best in.

That major, with skills gained through other classes (gen eds, electives, sub-specializations,) experiences gained in extra curricula activities, and their natural diligence should prepare them well for the job market ahead.

Of course . . . . It is always the right time for students to be discussing these issues with their advisor.

Well, that’s it for now.

If you have any questions, concerns, or items you would like addressed in future newsletters please don’t hesitate to contact me at jparrott@illinois.edu

Cheers,
Julian Parrott
DGS Director