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Leveraging On-Campus Experiences for Professional Success

Engaging in on-campus activities (i.e student organizations, community service or service-learning, sorority and fraternity life, student employment, etc.) is essential for honing skills that are highly sought after in the professional world. From communication and leadership to networking and adaptability, our Leadership Development Program (LDP) participants shared the diverse ways in which these skills can be cultivated.

Clearly expressing your achievements is vital to professional success.

"We often underestimate our accomplishments and overlook the skills we utilized to achieve them.”

Anthony M., Engineering & Technology LDP, PEER/Wise Mentor and President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

"It is key to build self-awareness to identify what experiences are transferable to a certain role. While technical experience and ability are valuable, recruiters and interviewers often seek individuals with a solid base of soft skills to complement their technical aptitude.”

Jahanzaib M., Commercial LDP

"As young professionals, you aren't expected to know everything, so explaining what you learned from mistakes/failures shows your dedication to a growth mindset as well as your ability to be coached."

Abbey K., Human Resources LDP, Treasurer and VP of Recruitment for her sorority

What skills can you gain from on-campus involvement?

Our LDPs highlighted key skills such as communication, leadership, organization, networking/collaboration, and adaptability. Learn more about each one below!

Communication Skills:

Effective communication is a cornerstone of professional success.

“One of the most important [things I learned] is communication skills. It does wonders in one's career!”

Ammad U., IT LDP and Director in Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

In the fraternity "we learned all about general corporate/business etiquette, professional email writing, setting up coffee chats/networking, interviewing, and we participated in case competitions and mock interviews."

Katarina L., IT LDP and VP of Fundraising for her business fraternity, Peer Advisor, College Mentors for Kids, and Brighter Futures.

"Every one of my experiences taught me how crucial communication is, the effectiveness of active listening, and the need for strategic thinking if you want to make an impact."

Ashley J., Human Resources LDP, President of her sorority, Recruitment Director for College Mentors for Kids, Recruitment Host for Ohio State's football team, Graduate Assistant, Vice President of an A Capella group, and VP of Traditions for Mortar Board

On-campus involvement "enhanced my skills in effective communication and my ability to network and leverage my network for both my benefit and that of others."

Anthony M., a PEER/Wise Mentor and President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

"I managed conflict, coached members on ways to improve, planned events with groups (project management), and more."

Abbey K., Human Resources LDP, Treasurer and VP of Recruitment for her sorority

Leadership Organization:

Many participants took on leadership roles, which helped them cultivate organizational skills.

"These experiences helped me build leadership, communication, and organization skills.”

Aman T., Engineering & Technology LDP, President of the Indian Students Association, Teaching Assistant, and led a living-learning community.

These experiences "taught me how to manage my time efficiently.”

Olivija T., IT LDP and VP of Finance, VP of Recruitment / Membership, and DEI chair of her sorority

Networking and Collaboration:

Networking opportunities are abundant in on-campus organizations.

"Be proactive and get involved early on, because the networking opportunities from organizations are endless!"

Participating in case competitions "boosted my collaboration and communications skills, as well as analytical thinking skills."

Alexis P., Human Resources LDP, former teaching assistant and case competition participant

Studying abroad "helped me see the bigger picture, collaborate with people from various backgrounds, and quickly adapt and learn.”

Oğulcan U, Operations LDP who lived in 5 different countries by participating in study abroad programs

Adaptability and Problem-Solving:

"It was one of my favorites to use in interviews because I could showcase the ability to work in high-stress, high-speed environments, and quickly solve unexpected issues that may arise."

Emily M., Human Resources LDP, worked as a server during college, social chair of her sorority, and a research assistant

This position helped her “solve problems on the fly.”

Alexis P., HR LDP and former teaching assistant and case competition participant

Confidence in Skills and Experiences:

A recurring theme among our participants was the confidence gained, and the practical skills learned during their time in school.

“Having the confidence to talk about my skills and experiences certainly helped me professionally.”

Gustavo O., Engineering and Technology LDP and Peer Mentor, Treasurer of an e-sports club

“Learning the innerworkings of plant sites in another country helped me gain real, on-site knowledge of what it would look like to be working for the business side of manufacturing.”

Devon G., Finance LDP, took a two-week course in Germany where she toured manufacturing plants

The stories shared by Eaton's Leadership Development Program participants underscore the importance of on-campus involvement in shaping one's professional journey. Students and graduates can leverage these experiences to develop valuable skills and make a lasting impact in their careers.

As you reflect on your own on-campus experiences, consider how they have prepared you for professional success. Take the initiative to articulate these skills in your resume and interviews. Join professional organizations, seek mentorship opportunities, and continue to build on the foundation you've established. Your journey is just beginning, and the skills you've gained will be invaluable as you navigate your career path.

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