Griz Career Skills Program

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Career readiness starts now.  The Griz Career Skills (GCS) Career Readiness Program is designed to equip University of Montana students with career skills that will prepare them to achieve positive post-graduate outcomes.  This asynchronous program guides student through identifying, practicing, and reflecting on the career skills in highest demand among employers across industries including workplace excellence, communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and career and personal development.  In addition, participants will learn to articulate on a resume or interview how their skills and accomplishments relate to their career interests.   

Faculty who offer career or internship courses and staff who supervise students or manage other professional development programs are invited to incorporate GCS into their programs/courses as a tangible way to demonstrate the priority that UM places on career readiness and inclusive prosperity for all students.

Benefits to Students

  • Earn digital badges and a micro-credential for their resumes and LinkedIn profiles.
  • Make progress at their own pace through this flexible, asynchronous program.
  • Gain confidence in the skills they’re gaining in and out of the classroom and learn how to effectively articulate them to future employers.
“Griz Career Skills can provide you a great opportunity to improve your career skills and help you prepare for life after graduation.”  
  • Junior, PTRM Major 

Benefits to Campus Employers

  • Attract applicants by adding this perk to your job descriptions to demonstrate your commitment to their development.
  • Retain students by helping them see how their student employment is preparing them with transferable skills.
  • Save time developing a career and professional development program for your student employees.
  • Have more meaningful, developmental check-ins with your student employees.
  • Easy roll-out requiring minimal effort from supervisors.
  • Flexible to implement in a way that meets the goals and structure of your student employment program or course.
"We are Griz! We care about our student employees and focus on a holistic approach. With so many departments having budget cuts this is a free program that helps grow UM." 
  • Rachel DeVore, Office for Student Success

What to Expect 

The program is offered asynchronously through Canvas.  Each module offers a combination of videos, articles, reflective assignments, case studies, and tools to help students apply the principles learned to their current work activities.  

Students can earn a digital badge for completing each of the following modules (each requiring about 2 hours of work):  

In-person orientations will be held in September.  A virtual version of the content will be available year-round. 

Topics covered:  

  • ElevateU: Career Readiness at UM 
  • Overview of the Griz Career Skills Certificate Program 
  • Understanding the UM Career Skills 
  • Assessing Your Current Skills and Areas for Growth 
  • Tracking Accomplishments 

Topics covered: 

  • Your personal brand 
  • Identifying skills gaps 
  • Contributing to a positive work environment 

Topics covered: 

  • Effective communication at work 
  • Importance of non-verbal communication 
  • Practice interviewing or public speaking

Topics covered: 

  • Problem-solving and decision making 
  • Anticipating needs and prioritization 
  • Consider the big picture and implications for others 

Topics covered: 

  • Conflict management 
  • Leveraging strengths of self and others 
  • Effective collaboration and compromise 

Topics covered:  

  • Assessment of strengths 
  • Developing a career plan 
  • Building professional relationships 
  • Creating resumes, cover letters, and online profiles 

Coming 2024/25

We listened to our pilot participants and are adding...

  • More in-person and hands-on opportunities to:
    • practice skills
    • meet peers across campus
    • engage with career coaches from Experiential Learning and Career Success
  •  Ability for students to "choose their own adventure" through a la carte options and pathways.
"UM Housing's experience with the Griz Career Skills program has been incredibly enriching. The program offers a comprehensive blend of practical skills and professional development that has significantly enhanced our student staff’s career readiness. The interactive sessions and expert guidance provided through the program have been invaluable. I highly recommend this program to all campus staff and faculty for their student staff. Engaging with the Griz Career Skills program not only bolsters your student’s professional capabilities but also equips them with the tools needed to thrive in today's competitive job market."
  • Jace Whitaker, UM Housing

Sign Up Today!  

Do you want to incorporate the Griz Career Skills Certificate Program into your student workers’ training plan, a course, or other student program?  Submit the Faculty/Staff Registration Form.  

Questions? 

For questions or feedback regarding the Griz Career Skills program, please contact Stacy Ulery (stacy.ulery@umontana.edu) and/or Carol Evanger (carol.evanger@umontana.edu).