New Program to Help You Get a Job

Students at the University of Central Oklahoma who soon will be looking for jobs can get help through a new program on campus starting Nov. 10.

The Workforce Advantage Program from UCO’s Customized Education is designed to help students build stronger ‘soft skills.’

The new program will allow employees learn about business etiquette, reputation management and professional communication, said Karen Youngblood, executive director for Customized Education.
The Workforce Advantage Program will address information on generational differences, dressing professionally, entitlements, punctuality and honoring hierarchy. The program will also discuss texting and social media in the workplace.

UCO’s Customized Education partnered with the State Chamber of Oklahoma to provide innovative instructions to keep learners engaged with real-world scenarios.

Youngblood said the idea for the program started a year ago when she attended Gov. Mary Fallin‘s Oklahoma Work Summit.

At the summit Youngblood heard from organizations, associations, non-profits and businesses that there was a need to improve soft skills to get employees boardroom-ready.

“All of [the employers] were saying the same thing. They were saying our young employees coming out of college don’t have soft skills. They have good talent; they have good technical skills; but they don’t have the soft skills,” Youngblood said.

According to Youngblood, soft skills are basic skills needed in the workplace including how to properly handshake, look somebody in the eye, use silverware, write a professional email, along with other traits.

The program is opened to anyone but is designed for new or advancing professionals, typically someone that is new to a company or has received a new position.

“We are not going to teach rocket science, but we are going to teach the business perspective and expectations that people don’t tell when you go in … We are trying to bridge that gap so that employees are even more valuable to employers,” Youngblood said.

The new program is intended to help employees convey a positive image and serve in the upper-level management of the organization. Professionalism, customer service and collaboration will also be studied throughout the program.

There’s no age requirement for the Workforce Advantage Program. Students that finished high school, received a bachelor’s degree, or even a master’s degree are all welcomed to take these valuable classes.

The program is designed to be a 90-day session, with three Thursdays and three Fridays over a period of three months. Classes will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays and from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday. Classes will cost $1299, and discounts may be applied.

Research shows that employees that want to stand out will need to polish soft skills and be able to leave a strong impression. After three months of classes, students will receive a professional certificate as a way to stand out from the crowd, said Youngblood.

The Workforce Advantage Program has a lifetime guarantee, where employees are able to retake classes again without any cost. Companies also may offer to pay for the training, as research has proven the long-term profits.

“Our goal is really to make sure the employee has that additional edge, that additional standout, that additional boardroom-ready functionality so they stand out among other peers,” Youngblood said.

Twitter as your life resume

Twitter has become well known, and it has been used by millions of people, but what stands out about it?

Since 2009, Twitter grew tremendously and connected many people around the globe. Twitter has now 288 million monthly active users, where 33 languages are supported, according to the data.

This extraordinary app can generate job opportunities, increase your network, and even improve your writing skills.

Some people might argue that Twitter cannot help you professionally, but Dr. Terry Clark, professor of Twitter for Journalists at the University of Central Oklahoma, strongly disagrees. According to him, Twitter is not only beneficial for the work field but it gives an insight of people.

The two-week course at UCO made an impact on students’ lives, with a series of speakers active on the social media. Most of them had their lives changed because of the great app.

“Your Twitter page is your website. There is no business without twitter. If you can know it, you should know it because the resources are available.” said Mike Sherman, sports editor of The Oklahoman and NewsOK.

“Twitter isn’t a positive or a negative. Networking is how you really make your connections,” he added.

Sherman reminds students that Twitter can be used with authenticity and professionalism. He said companies might not hire an employee if they don’t have a twitter account. It sounds crazy, but it’s true.

Robert Crissinger, one of the top PR professionals at Bumbershoot, said Twitter can be used 80% personal and 20% business. Crissinger is a graduate from UCO, and had the great opportunity to gain knowledge from Dr. Clark many years ago.

“Twitter is only effective if you are listening and broadcasting. Twitter also helps you amplify your voice.” said Crissinger.

Twitter forces users to be concise with their writing, improve their writing skills, and perfect their thoughts. It can also be a life resume. It can be used to reach people in your professional area, as well as maintaining good relationships with inspiring people.

Even though Twitter has many benefits, users need to be aware that they are in the public eye. Don’t use twitter if you are out drinking with your friends. Put your phone away, and save that great quote for the next day.

Use Twitter as a tool to make you better person. Know your limits, but don’t be afraid to try new things.

Be you, and be fierce, but don’t publish if you cannot show it to your boss.

Remember you are also human. You will make mistakes. Don’t hesitate to delete something in your Twitter account, be transparent and honest. Have fun.

What NOT to include in your resume

Building your resume will take time, and believe me, it won’t be that easy. While most people battle with the things they should put on their resume, I will focus on the things you shouldn’t.

Please, do not include your photo in your resume, unless you are seeking a career in the film industry. Nobody will really pay attention how you look, unless you are trying to be the next Victoria’s Secret model.

Don’t be too confident about your skills and experience– be honest. Keep the adjectives to yourself, and don’t over estimate your abilities.

Irrelevant jobs should be kept away from your resume. If you were the mascot at your school last summer, you shouldn’t put that in your resume under jobs– maybe in activities or accomplishments. Stay away from things that don’t matter.

Physical characteristics should not be in your resume. I repeat– stay away from physical characteristics. Having a six pack won’t make you a better worker than the over weight person sitting in the corner.

Do not write your personal ideas in regards to religion, sexual orientation, marriage status, political influence, etc. If they are not important to the job you are looking for, please stay away from it and be simple.

Strange habits should be kept in secret. Your boss won’t admire you more because you can eat 30 hot dogs in one hour. This hobbies are fun, but not appropriate for a job resume.

Don’t sound unprofessional in your resume by misspelling words or using bad language. We all know writing matters, so keep it clean and double-check what you write.

Also, avoid cliches and repetition– it may throw your soon-to-be boss off.

I know it might seem like a lot of information to process before you write your resume, but believe me, it will be worth it. The job you are looking for will be ready for you, if you are ready for it; be prepared, and good luck.

A version of this was published at The Vista