At the O’Neill School, you’ll graduate not only with a degree but also with real-world knowledge earned from great internships, the ability to start a job you love, and the capability to grow professionally wherever life takes you. That’s what Career Core is all about—a set of courses designed to help you build the skills, confidence, and experiences you’ll need to launch a meaningful career.
Graduate with a degree and with real-world career experience
Go further with Career Core
Through the Career Core, you’ll sharpen important skills including communication, teamwork, and leadership. You’ll also gain experience with tools such as data analysis and digital platforms. Your academic advisor will guide you through selecting Career Core classes and help you explore your personal interests, values, and strengths—so you can figure out what type of work truly excites you.
Your Career Core courses will develop these key competencies:
Effective communication is essential in any career. This includes clearly articulating your thoughts and ideas to both internal and external audiences. In this course, you'll strengthen your public speaking and presentation skills—and learn how to express your ideas with confidence and clarity.
You’ll learn to use technology effectively—whether it’s data analysis, digital media, or essential software tools. You’ll gain the skills to apply technology ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and achieve goals. While tools vary across professions, the course will cover key areas like social media, data analysis, and digital literacy.
Sharpen your critical thinking by learning to analyze issues, make decisions, and solve problems using sound reasoning and data. You'll learn how to think on your feet, approach challenges from multiple angles, and apply statistical techniques to interpret data and make informed, strategic decisions.
Gain a solid understanding of how the economy works and why it matters. Learn how economic systems shape the decisions of businesses, governments, and communities, and develop the critical thinking skills needed to analyze trends, understand market forces, and make informed decisions.
Explore your career interests, define your goals, and create a plan for internships and your first job. Through ongoing personal and professional development, you’ll gain a clear understanding of your values, interests, personality, and strengths—helping you find meaningful opportunities that align with your goals.
Gain real-world experience through an internship that helps you apply your skills, grow as a professional, and work toward your career goals. You’ll strengthen workplace habits, develop your professional presence, and learn to lead by example—building strong relationships, managing conflict, and motivating others to achieve shared goals.
Recommended career milestones
The O'Neill School offers abundant resources to help you reach your career goals. Below are examples of opportunities that will enhance your career readiness:
- Consider starting your college career in a living-learning community like the Civic Leaders Center
- Join a student club or organization and begin tracking your accomplishments and involvement
- Log in to your Handshake account and set up your profile
- Attend Career Hub events to explore potential career paths and industries of interest
- Attend seminars or workshops through the NextGen Leadership Program
- Create a LinkedIn account to connect with classmates and professors
- Meet with an O’Neill career coach to discuss your interests and set early goals
- Consider how an O’Neill International experience will fit into your academic journey—many of our study abroad courses count for the undergraduate World Languages and Cultures credit
- Enroll in the required career development and planning class for your specific major, where you will develop your career tools—resumes, LinkedIn profile, cover letters, professional development plan, internship search plan, and more.
- Research graduate school, fellowships, or other post-graduate pathways, including O’Neill’s accelerated master’s programs
- Discuss with your academic advisor opportunities to participate in the O’Neill Leadership Program and Washington Leadership Program during your junior or senior year
- Look for summer internship or research opportunities—the Career Hub team is here to help
- Register for the required internship for credit to complete during the summer between your second and third year
- Identify skills to build outside the classroom through part-time jobs, volunteering, or online courses
- Meet with your O’Neill career coach to update your résumé to target specific positions
- Continue to apply for internships or research opportunities
- Register for the required internship for credit if you haven’t already, and complete it during the summer between your third and fourth year
- Take leadership roles in student clubs and organizations
- Attend professional development events and internship fairs
- Practice advanced interview techniques through mock interviews
- Meet with an O’Neill career coach for job search preparation
- Actively apply for full-time jobs or graduate programs
- Use LinkedIn to let contacts know you’re seeking employment
- Attend networking events, employer visits, and career fairs
- Finalize your résumé, cover letter, and references
- Complete graduate school applications, if applicable
- Prepare for final interviews and salary negotiation
- Participate in senior showcase or capstone events
- Make a post-graduation plan, including relocation or gap year considerations
- Stay engaged with the Career Hub, the O’Neill alumni network, and faculty for ongoing support and recommendations