Issue link: http://howardcc.uberflip.com/i/593580
What is the Impact and Value of Academic Enrichment? Q&A with Dave Tirpak, Ph.D., assistant director of career and employment counseling at HCC Q: How do academic enrichment experiences help students prepare for a career in today's global job market? A: We encourage our students to pursue internships, volunteer opportunities, service learning projects, and study abroad experiences so they can make the connection between what they are learning at HCC and what is happening in the world. When new graduates are applying for jobs, they can set themselves apart if they show they are ambitious, goal oriented, and eager to learn. A resume that includes study abroad or service learning demonstrates these characteristics. By sharing specific learning experiences during an interview, students can illustrate their decision-making skills, adaptability, and flexibility for a potential employer. Q: Why is it important for students entering the job market today to have an understanding of cultures and business practices outside of the U.S.? A: Businesses both in and out of the United States are becoming more diverse. Those who have some knowledge about how a business operates from a multicultural standpoint will stand out in the interview process. Flexibility, adaptability, and teamwork abilities are important attributes that employers want, and applicants with resumes that reflect some international experience are most likely to get attention. Q: How important is it for students to come out of college with diverse language skills? A: Employers are looking for language diversity to be spotlighted on a resume. Everyone from social workers to educators and lawyers to public health officials find themselves in need of a translator more often. Q: Are there other ways to teach and learn communication and decision-making skills? A: If you are curious, you can learn just about anything online, 24/7, even how to drive a car. But you will learn a whole lot more by getting behind the wheel. The same is true for soft skills – like decision-making, communication, and adaptability. You can read about them and practice them in the classroom, but unless you are in a situation where you actually have to use them, you are not going to have a full understanding of the importance of these capabilities. This is why HCC is committed to providing our students with an abundance of opportunities to learn by experiencing. in the community and how to affect change. Global Distinction students studying business or history through an international lens are gaining an understanding of how culture impacts decision making. At HCC, collaborative partnerships have developed with people and places near and far – from neighboring colleges, nonprofit organizations and businesses to those located on the other side of the globe. Collectively, they have created a line-up of cultural and diverse learning options that offer something special for students with every interest. Through offering and promoting global learning opportunities, HCC gives students a chance to gain critical skills and tools that are enriching and even life-changing. And, as a result, students are flourishing both professionally and personally, more than ever before. Fall 2015 | Pathways 9