Show Your Skills with Alternative Learning Experiences

by Peter Vogt

MonsterTRAK Career Coach

When looking for that first professional job after college, you may think there's no way to distinguish yourself from the thousands of other new graduates. Even if you've done all the "right things" -- getting good grades, completing internships, building relationships with people in your chosen field -- what can help you stand out from the crowd?

Here's a tip: Try pinpointing the "alternative learning experiences" you've had during your college years. Then figure out how to market those experiences, as well as the skills you gained, to prospective employers.

What's an alternative learning experience? Consider these examples.

Study Abroad

If you spent time studying in another country, think about what you had to go through before, during and after that experience. The skills you gained are probably second nature now, but think again.

You have proven you can leave your comfort zone and adjust to a brand new culture -- not an easy task for everyone. In fact, adaptability is probably the most critical skill you gain when studying abroad. Employers could be very interested in knowing that about you.

Speak a Second Language

If study abroad or another activity let you become fluent in a second language as only cultural immersion can accomplish, you're ahead of the game. A native English speaker who developed Spanish language skills on January breaks in Mexico will be far more capable than someone who only practiced in the school's language lab.

‘Stop Out' of School, Then Return

Students' path of least resistance is to go to college right after high school and continue their studies until they've earned a degree. But many students discover -- before starting or sometime during their college career -- that they just weren't ready for the whole college experience in one shot. These students, and possibly you, "stopped out" for a semester or two to regroup.

Think "self-motivation." After all, you did go back and finish your degree, right? Also consider your willingness to take risks. Were your parents really enthusiastic about the idea of your stopping out? And don't forget that the time you were away helped you focus on any number of issues, probably including future career concerns.

Finish a Research Project

Did you research and write an undergraduate thesis as part of your school's graduation requirements? Or better yet, conducted a research project entirely on your own through an independent study course or faculty mentoring program?

Whatever the circumstances, identify and acknowledge the many marketable skills you've gained by completing a major research project. Research skills are the most obvious, but don't forget problem-solving skills, big-picture thinking (you had to conceptualize the problem) and focus. And don't forget to mention your depth of knowledge or expertise in the topic area you studied.

Start a Small Business

Even if you didn't launch a Subway franchise while you were in school, you probably made some extra money as a self-employed tutor, house painter, lawn-care provider or freelance graphic designer.

If you landed some clients completely on your own, at a minimum you have proven marketing and sales skills, because you know how to hustle to find customers. When those clients paid you for your efforts, you showed you can deliver on the promises you make.

Train for and Complete Physically Demanding Activities

Do you compete in marathons or triathlons? Did you qualify for the US Amateur golf tournament last summer? Are you the backup quarterback for your school's varsity football squad?

Your athletic pursuits, whatever they may be, demand extensive commitments of time, energy and sometimes money. They also demand self-discipline and determination and, in many cases, the ability to work well with others on a team. All of these things will grab a prospective employer's attention.

None of these experiences are likely to be the highlight of your resume or interviews, but they -- and other similar experiences -- can help distinguish you from the crowd. You just have to be savvy enough to frame them properly when you present them to prospective employers.

© 2008 MonsterTRAK