Professional Development & Skill Building

The Info Desks tend to be a popular job, but I wanted to also highlight some of the skills you are gaining and introduce a learning opportunity available to you through the library's databases.

First of all, I wanted to share this list from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), outlining common competencies that are required for careers of college graduates:

NACE Competencies

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving:
Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness.

Oral/Written Communications:
Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization. The individual has public speaking skills; is able to express ideas to others; and can write/edit memos, letters, and complex technical reports clearly and effectively.

Teamwork/Collaboration:
Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure, and can negotiate and manage conflict.

Digital Technology:
Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. The individual demonstrates effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies. Leadership: Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others. The individual is able to assess and manage his/her emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to guide and motivate; and organize, prioritize, and delegate work.

Professionalism/Work Ethic:
Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. The individual demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.

Career Management:
Identify and articulate one’s skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals, and identify areas necessary for professional growth. The individual is able to navigate and explore job options, understands and can take the steps necessary to pursue opportunities, and understands how to self-advocate for opportunities in the workplace.

Global/Intercultural Fluency:
Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. The individual demonstrates openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand individuals’ differences.

Some Resume Bullet Point Ideas for the Info Desks

• Worked at Information desk in a busy university library interacting with the general public, faculty, students and staff to provide customer service, access to information and academic support
• Collaborated with other student workers to ensure desk coverage for five serve points
• Through daily interactions with students, faculty, staff and the general public, answered complex questions using various web-based tools including the Library website, catalog, reference guides, and various other search tools
• Performed circulation functions in the library's integrated library system Alma, including checking out and returning barcoded building keys and verifying if books are properly discharged

Grow Your Skills

I hope you can see the ways in which your position at the Info Desks prepares you for jobs post-graduation. I also encourage you to use the library's subscription to LinkedIn Learning to beef up your skills!

Please note:  You will be asked if you want to connect your Berkeley LinkedIn Learning account with your personal LinkedIn profile.  By connecting accounts you will receive course recommendations based on your LinkedIn profile, and can share your courses and certificates with other users. However, by connecting your accounts you are agreeing to allow LinkedIn Learning to use, share, and track your online activities. Consider the terms of service carefully and make an informed choice.

LinkedIn Learning secure login: https://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/az.php?q=Linkedin


Search terms: Linked In, Lynda, Lynda.com, Career Readiness, development