College is meant to prepare you for post-grad life, but we all know it’s a difficult time to enter the workforce. Strengthen your resume and build your skillset by taking any of these 16 Chatham courses.
1. ACT324: Federal Tax Accounting
Professor: Daniel Hackett
Credits: 3
T 6 – 9pm
After college, you don’t need to hire someone to do your taxes: learn the process yourself! You’ll discover how to file your income taxes, but you’ll also get a brief intro to business taxation.
2. ART213: EMPOWERTOOLED
Professor: Corey Escoto
Credits: 3 (Maymester)
MTWR 9 – 11:50am
Knowing how to safely use power tools prepare you to make basic home repairs, build or revamp furniture, and save a ton of money you’d normally have to spend hiring a professional.
3. ART261/COM261: Web Design 1: code + aesthetics
Professor: David Burke
Credits: 3
M 6:30 – 9:30pm
In the workforce, graduates with computer skills are increasingly valuable. Most companies – even small ones – have a web presence; this course equips you to build on an existing internet infrastructure or create a new one.
4. BUS105: Foundations of Business
Professor: Melanie Oates
Credits: 3
MW 3 – 4:15
Sales. HR. Finances. Dr. Oates’ course dives in to all facets of business, giving you a working knowledge of every department in a standard corporation. A group project is the foundation of the course, but don’t let that scare you away. From interviewing with team captains to presenting 3-4 times during the semester, you’ll learn the interpersonal skills critical to landing a job.
5. CMP202: Introduction to Programming
Professor: Larry Viehland
Credits: 3
MWF 9:30 – 10:20am
There are so few women in programming that major tech companies actually provide special scholarships, institutes and recruitment programs specifically to increase gender diversity among their hires. If a career in computing interests you, take this course to get started. If you’re not planning on applying to Google, it’ll at least give you one more valuable skill to put on a resume.
6. ENG241: Business Writing
Professor: Sharon Tomasic
Credits: 3
Online
Companies prize strong writers. Even if you’re a pro at academic writing, businesses require a different style. Learn how to research, structure and revise your work so you can take on any topic and address any audience.
7. ENV213V: Special Topics: Backpacking
Professor: Unassigned
Credits: 3 (Maymester)
TWRF 9 – 11:50am
Learn how to navigate the outdoors safely. If you ever get lost in the wilderness, you’ll have the tools to keep moving.
8. EXS102: First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Professor: Andres Carrillo
Credits: 1
W 11:30am – 12:20pm
Hopefully, you’ll never have to use the skills you learn in this course. But just in case, you’ll get your American Red Cross Certification by the end.
9. IND104: LSAT Preparation
Unassigned
Credits: 1 (Maymester)
TBD
Aspiring attorney? Don’t spend thousands of dollars on an expensive LSAT prep program. This course will count toward your required Maymester credits, and it’ll help you excel on the exam.
10. MTH110: Elementary Statistics
Professor: Martha Hildebrandt
Credits: 3
TR 2:15 – 3:30pm
Companies use statistics in virtually every element of their work, from determining which products to sell to evaluating how to spend money. Having a background in stats equips you to conduct some of this analysis yourself.
11. PED100: Special Topics: Ballroom Dance
Instructor: Elaine Rybski
Credits: 1
TR 10 – 11:15am
If you ever find yourself in a gown at a gala, you’ll be prepared to elegantly hit the dance floor.
12. PED108: Yoga and Relaxation
Credits: 1
Instructor: Hallie Arena
Spring: MWF 4:30 – 5:45
Maymester: MTWRF 4 – 4:50pm
Instructor: Jennifer Kobylski
Spring: MWF 3 – 4:15
Maymester: MTWRF 3 – 3:50pm
Any college student will tell you that relaxation takes work. Whether you need to give a major presentation or you have to deal with a difficult situation at the office, this class will give you the tools to tackle stress and find peace in any situation.
13. PED158: Scuba
Instructor: Mike Nadler
Credits: 1
W 6:30 – 10pm
Scuba certification is a valuable thing to put on your resume; it’s also great preparation for Spring Break.
14. PSY211E: PAAR Training in Sexual Assault Counseling
Professor: Gail Brown
Credits: 3 (Maymester)
MTWR 3:30 – 6:20pm
This course leads to certification. Even if you’re not planning to work as a sexual assault counselor, you’ll learn how to navigate emotional conversations and help people through incredibly dark situations.
15. SDE133: SHARP: Sexual Harrassment and Rape Prevention
Professor: Jamie Cunningham
Credits: 1
TR 6:30 – 7:45pm
The epidemic of sexual assault on college campuses is terrifying. Learn to protect yourself with SHARP training.
16. SDE310: Career Preparation
Professors: Monica Ritter (Section 1) and Pam Turner (Section 2)
Credits: 2
MTWR 3 – 4:50pm
No more awkward interviews or disorganized cover letters: this course takes the intimidation factor out of the job search by preparing you to be an effective applicant.
What’s your favorite skill-building course? Tell us in the comments!