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SALT LAKE CITY — As college students head back to class, they should be thinking about life after school and which classes will really help them get a job, one educator said.
University of Utah Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Sharon Aiken-Wisniewski said those classes may not be what you'd expect.
"One of the things I like to talk to students about is you have to remember across the U.S. and the world, there will be a number of people graduating each year with your particular discipline," she said. "So, you have to think about how you can look different to the employer."
That means a depth and breadth of classes, hobbies and passions.
"They will have their majors and their minors that will offer them depth into particular subject areas and disciplines," she said. "But they can take the rest of their degree so they have breadth across a number of different areas and skill sets."
- STEM classes (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)
- Internship-driven picks
- Business and economics
- Theater arts
- Professional writing
- Leadership studies
She said employers like to see professional writing and data analysis skills. They are also looking for people with balance in their lives.
"College offers a great way to understand those ways to recharge. You can take up certain hobbies," she said.
She suggested that photography or sports, travel, language or art classes can all provide depth.
She added that internship based courses are a must for networking and learning.