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Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture Student Success

Mastering Critical Thinking: A Guide to Enhancing Decision-Making and Career Success

In our fast-paced world, the ability to think critically is paramount for success in both personal and professional realms. In a recent article by The Muse, the concept of critical thinking is explored in depth, highlighting its importance and offering practical strategies for improvement.

Critical thinking, as defined in the article, involves questioning assumptions, conducting thorough research, and rigorously testing ideas to arrive at well-informed decisions. This skill is not only essential for problem-solving but also for building relationships and advancing one’s career. Job seekers, in particular, are increasingly valued for their ability to think critically, as it signifies resourcefulness and adaptability.

The article outlines seven actionable steps to enhance critical thinking skills:

  1. Asking probing questions to gather comprehensive information.
  2. Engaging in regular self-reflection to analyze past experiences and decisions.
  3. Embracing change and diverse perspectives to broaden one’s understanding.
  4. Cultivating a diverse network to access varied viewpoints and feedback.
  5. Improving active listening skills to fully comprehend others’ perspectives.
  6. Expanding knowledge through wide reading and study of diverse topics.
  7. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone by tackling new and challenging tasks.

Moreover, the article provides valuable insights on how to showcase critical thinking abilities during the job search process. It advises job seekers to highlight decision-making processes and problem-solving skills in resumes and cover letters, and to demonstrate critical thinking during interviews by thinking aloud, asking insightful questions, and identifying opportunities for innovation within the organization.

Find the full article here!

 

Crafting Your Career Story: A Quick Guide to Resume Building with WiseDoc

In the digital age, a compelling resume is your ticket to unlocking new career opportunities. WiseDoc, a user-friendly platform, makes the resume creation process seamless and efficient. Let’s explore how you can harness the power of WiseDoc to craft a standout resume that showcases your skills and experiences.

What is WiseDoc?

WiseDoc is a versatile online platform designed to simplify the resume creation process. With its intuitive interface and robust features, WiseDoc empowers users to build professional resumes that capture the attention of potential employers.

Getting Started

Sign Up for WiseDoc:

  • To begin your resume-building journey with WiseDoc, sign up for a free account on their website. Use your WSU email to gain access to templates and examples compiled by Career Services. 

Navigate to the Resume Builder:

  • Once logged in, locate the “Templates” feature. This is where you’ll start crafting your personalized resume.

Choose a Template:

  • WiseDoc offers a variety of professionally designed templates to suit different industries and job roles. Choose a template listed as “ATS-friendly” if you plan to submit your resume online. 

Building Your Resume:

  • WiseDoc will provide you with fill-in-the-blank sections to craft your resume. You may add or edit sections as needed, as well as rearrange the order of sections as they appear on the final document. To access your documents once you are finished, navigate to the “My Drive” section on the home screen. 

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How To Kickstart Your Career in The New Year

Wendi Weiner and Jenna Arcand, Work It Daily 

January 02, 2024

Do you have career goals going into the new year? Do you feel like your career search is in a rut and you’re not sure what to do? Here are some ways you can successfully kickstart your career in the new year!

Resumes are no longer about objectives or daily job functions. Today, resumes are strategic marketing documents that must prove a candidate’s worth and value. A resume must properly brand the candidate within his/her areas of focus and be targeted toward the actual job position. 

1. Updating your resume and reflecting on your recent achievements and accolades is a sure way to provide more value to the reader. Quantify your work and project experience and consider reviewing your internship or job performance evaluations so you can list projects you have led, skills you have acquired, and results you’ve achieved for organizations.

2. Consider Professional Assistance from a Voiland College Career Coach

Many job seekers are struggling to find a job right now and they’re becoming increasingly frustrated with the job market. A Voiland College career coach can be a great resource and tool when you’re having trouble finding a job and achieving your career goals. 

A career coach can also help job seekers realign their career direction with solution-focused ideas, provide positive praise and motivation, and offer guidance in self-discovery.

3. Use Social Media to Your Advantage We are now living in a heavily advanced digital age. Job seekers can reach out to CEOs and employers on various social media platforms, post a Facebook status to alert their friends and family members about their job search, and use their LinkedIn profiles to apply for a job, connect with hiring managers, and even expand their network to connect with other professionals.

In short, social media, specifically LinkedIn, is an excellent tool for your career. Make sure you optimize your LinkedIn profile to take full advantage of all of its benefits and features.

4. Network Like There’s No Tomorrow

Your network is your net worth! If you want to land your dream job, building your professional network is essential. Create an online networking strategy and locate networking events through Facebook, LinkedIn, and even sources such as Eventbrite. Be sure to have business cards handy. Pass them out and take the business cards of other networking professionals. 

Don’t forget to follow up through a connection request on LinkedIn after the event is over. You need to nurture your network so when it comes time for you to find a new job, they’ll be more than happy to help. After all, it’s all about who you know! 

Make this year your biggest and best year yet by following these helpful career tips! Don’t wait for January to pass you by. The new year is here now!