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Welcome to the O4U Learning Community!

A launchpad of resources to support you Through all points of your personal and career journeys

 

The O4U Learning Community is a space where you can access resources curated by our team of volunteers with over 15 years combined in instructional design, career development, and management consulting.

These resources are meant to assist throughout your career journey: when it is getting started, when you are planning a career shift, or when you are looking for ways to be more impactful at work.

Additional resources are also available for alumni and current O4U students through Firsthand and Management Consulted

As this community grows, we’re looking to expand to other topics that are important to the members of our community from resources to support personal growth to resources supporting the intersectional identities that make the O4U community so unique. If there’s a topic you’d like us to explore, please email info@outforundergrad.org.

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Networking 

Networking Authentically 

Networking can often feel daunting However, authentic networking is possible by leveraging one's natural strengths and inclinations. The following blog posts and articles provide insights and practical tips to help you network effectively and genuinely, fostering meaningful professional relationships.

Networking for Introverts

Ambiverts: The Best of Both Worlds

- Healthline

For introverts, understanding the flexibility of ambivert characteristics can help them leverage their quieter strengths while also adopting selective extroverted behaviors when needed for effective networking.

Networking for Introverts

- Indeed

This article provides practical advice specifically tailored to introverts, such as preparing conversation starters and seeking out smaller, more intimate networking events. This approach helps introverts navigate networking scenarios comfortably, ensuring they can still build valuable connections without feeling overwhelmed.

How Introverts Can Learn to Love Networking

- Kellogg Insight

By engaging in activities or discussions they are passionate about, introverts can connect with others on a deeper level, making the process more authentic and less stressful.

5 Networking Tips for Introverts... and Everyone Else

- Harvard Business Review

Learn five actionable tips that are useful for introverts and extroverts alike. 

 

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Leveraging AI in your job search 

Skills that help You prepare to stand out

Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT can help you in your job search. You can use these tools to review your resume against job descriptions to identify gaps, or role play an interview to help you prepare.  (Note: Use discretion when leveraging these tools. You want your materials to be an authentic representation of you.)

Working with AI Tools

How to Use AI to Prepare for a Job Interview

- Top Resume

This article gives you  tips on the different ways you can use AI effectively to help you prepare for your interviews. 

Why AI might be rejecting your resume

- CNN

Companies are turning to automation and forms of artificial intelligence to speed up the hiring process, but the systems aren't perfect. Find out ways to use this automation in your favor. 

Example Prompt

The prompt to the right can be a good place to start if you're not sure where to begin. 

I'm preparing for job interviews in the [insert industry, e.g., technology] sector and aim to practice in a way that allows me to fully express my unique strengths and perspectives. I'd like you to play the role of an experienced [industry] professional who values diverse skills, including technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and collaborative leadership.

My goal is to showcase my genuine self, highlighting my ability to innovate, collaborate effectively with others, and contribute positively to a team under various circumstances.

Can we start with a mock interview that includes technical questions relevant to [specific role, e.g., software engineering] and behavioral questions that allow me to share experiences demonstrating innovation, teamwork, and adaptability? I’d appreciate constructive feedback on my responses to help me communicate my authentic attributes more clearly and confidently.

 

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Considering Career Shifts 

Skills that help You plan a career change

As you continue your career, there are inflection points that can lead you in a different direction than where your career started. Being thoughtful in exploring career options helps you run towards a fulfilling career rather than running away from one that is not a good initial fit. 

Considering Career Shifts  is a starting point for you to start exploring.

Job Transitions

My Next Move

- US Department of Labor

Not sure what type of career you're looking for? My Next Move is an interactive tool for job seekers and students looking to explore their career options. It provides information on tasks, skills, salaries, and more for over 900 different careers.

Tips for transitioning careers

- Forbes

This article gives you a jumpstart on the steps leading to a job transition and the considerations when doing a job search. Learn how to also focus on balancing mental health and understanding your personal financial circumstances before transitioning into a new job. 

How to Change Careers

- US News

Career change is a big step and being organized in the process in equally important. The articles how one should determine the right time to make a career move and the steps leading to a new job while staying on track even when the job search gets difficult.

The Right Way to Make A Career Change

- Harvard Business Review

Many of us recognize the right time to make a career change, but not know the right reason to do so. This article provides examples of following one's passion and the importance of having backup plans when making a career move. 

How to Adjust to A New Job

- US News

How to Success Quickly in A New Job

- Harvard Business Review

Once you've made a job transition, how do you start to build your network and brand? These articles provide tips on how to adjust to your new work environment and how to make a good impression in your first few months.

 

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Special Topic

Coping with Stress

Stress can manifest itself in many different ways. The resources below are meant to help you find ways to recognize when you may dealing with stress and how to seek additional help.

Coping with Stress

"Calm, Cool, and Queer: 3 VERY SHORT MINDFULNESS PRACTICES FOR SELF-CARE!"

- Dr. Sara Rabinovitch

Three short mindfulness exercises created by O4U's Resident Director of Mental Health and Well Being Dr. Sara Rabinovitch, PhD.

"Best ways to manage Stress"

- Harvard Health Publishing

This article explains how to recognize the signs of stress and understand the impact it can have on physical and mental health.

"Coping with Stress"

- CDC

Learn the importance of managing stress and identifies ways to cope such as talking to someone, taking up an enjoyable activity, or writing down your thoughts and feelings.

"How to Cope with Traumatic Stress"

- American Psychological Association

How to cope with traumatic stress and find resources for additional support

 

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Life Skills for a Recent Graduate

Skills that help with the transition after graduation

As you make the shift from undergraduate student into launching your career, you may wonder how to navigate through personal and professional changes. Life Skills for The Recent Graduate shares resources on:

  • Setting boundaries early on in order to avoid taking on too much too soon
  • Highlighting your strengths in your day-to-day work
  • Balancing work expectations while managing your energy when you're away

Learning How to Say 'No'

"How to Say No to Taking on More Work"

- Harvard Business Review

Say no without offending the person asking or being labeled a 'bad team player.'

"The Art of Saying No at Work + 7 Workplace Requests to Decline"

- Career Contessa

Identify guardrails to protect your time and energy.

 

Standing Out Early In Your Career

Eight Easy Tips For New Grads To Stand Out And Show Their Value

- Forbes Human Resources Council

Focus your energy when starting your career. Make the greatest impact in the shortest amount of time.

How To Stand Out In An Entry-Level Job As A Recent College Grad​

- Work It Daily

Being enthusiastic and open to new experience is a great first step to becoming an impactful member of any team. Strategically demonstrate ways you can make an impression early on.

 

Unplugging from Work

3 Realistic Ways to Unplug When You Leave the Office

- The Daily Muse

Manage your energy when you work in an 'always on' environment.

How to recharge: tips from a Stanford wellness coach

- Stanford University

Do you really know what relaxation really means to you? 

What yoga does to your brain (VIDEO)

- NBC News

 

 

Have you ever considered yoga as a destressor? Learn benefits yoga may be able to provide as you consider ways to destress from work.

14 Ways to Recharge Your Internal Batteries

- Living Well, Spending Less

Create a mental getaway for yourself that removes you from your devices and gives you an opportunity to recharge.

 

Personal Budgeting

HOW MUCH TO SAVE EACH MONTH

- TIAA

Learn about how to strategize areas to save money and tips on how much save.

How Much Your Monthly Food Budget Should Be + Grocery Calculator

- Mint

How Much Should I Budget for Eating Out?

- YNAB

How do you balance how much you spend on food with things like dietary restrictions, preferences, or access to food sources? Use these tools to help you not only plan out your food budget, but also leverage cost-saving techniques like couponing and meal prepping.  

35+ COLLEGE GRAD EARNINGS STATISTICS

- Zippia

The million-dollar mistake

- BizJournal

Student Loan Debt Statistics

- Education Data Initiative

Learn more about how to account for the nuances of your salary against your bills to more effectively plan how to use your take home income.
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Core Skill Development 

Skills that help You Build core skillsets important for new graduates

As you start your career, there are core skills that anyone can benefit from having regardless of the industry or organization. Being deliberate in the way you communicate, share information, and manage workplace dynamics in a meeting setting are all ways to stand out in your first job. 

Core Skills for The Recent Graduate is a starting point for you to build those skillsets.

Communication Skills

Conscious Communication: What it is & Examples

- Management Consulted

Learn how to be deliberate in your communication style to be more effective communicating with others.

Speak Like An Executive (Video)

- Management Consulted

Hear top three communication techniques, the importance of clarity, and why learning to sell your ideas is critical.

Business Communication (Video)

- Management Consulted

 

Find out how to drive action more effectively in your email and in-person communications.

Answer First Communication

- Management Consulted

The answer first communication method is an effective way to persuade, drive action, and become more efficient in your communication.

 

PowerPoint Skills

Pyramid Principle® Explained (Video)

- Management Consulted

 

 

Master the ‘Pyramid Principle’ to create presentations and communications that clearly share a POV.

4 Guidelines To Excellent PowerPoint Storytelling

- Management Consulted

Craft effective, powerful, punchy decks that will knock the socks off any executive.

Making An Online Presentation Like A Pro

- Management Consulted

Deliver your best online presentations… those that quickly grab – and keep – stakeholder attention

 

Meeting Skills

Effective Meeting Strategies

- Management Consulted

Lead effective meetings that move you and your organization towards your shared goals. 

How to Build Rapport

- Management Consulted

Enhance your ability to build rapport understanding your audience and goal.