Eagle Advantage
Eagle Advantage
In support of our campus mission statement “in which the entire university community is fully engaged in supporting student success,” this tool was developed to help students recognize the competencies they’re developing, learn how to articulate them to others, and apply them as they “take their place in a constantly changing world community.”
Below are eight competencies that national employers have highlighted year after year as being critical to success in the workforce. Click on the images below to learn more about the competencies and how students can develop skills in each area.
Competencies
Adaptability expanding section
- Recognize challenges as opportunities to improve.
- Take risks and understand that mistakes contribute to growth.
- Welcome constructive feedback and use it to strengthen your performance.
- Embrace a growth mindset approach that allows for action, reflection, failure, and resilience for lifelong learning and development.
Collaboration & Leadership expanding section
- Build mutually beneficial relationships and achieve common goals by understanding, valuing, and leveraging the strengths of others.
- Take responsibility for your own role and contributions within a team.
- Organize, prioritize, and delegate work.
- Negotiate and manage conflict without compromising group objectives.
Communication expanding section
- Effectively articulate thoughts and ideas to others in written and oral forms.
- Engage in dialogue that leads to productive outcomes.
- Understand the impact of nonverbal communication on professional work image.
- Use interpersonal skills to motivate and develop others.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving expanding section
- Exercise sound reasoning to independently analyze issues, identify options, formulate opinions, make decisions, and overcome problems.
- Demonstrate originality and inventiveness when identifying possible courses of action.
- Account for personal biases and recognize that there may be more than one valid point of view.
Digital Literacy & Technology expanding section
- Leverage knowledge of information and communications technology to ethically and efficiently solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
- Assess sources of information to determine legitimacy and suitability.
- Keep up with emerging technologies and adapt tools to new purposes.
Engaging Diversity expanding section
- Cultivate awareness of your own identity and that of others through exploration of diversity, including race, ethnicity, country of origin, ability, class, gender, age, spirituality, etc.
- Understand how culture and identity affects perceptions, attitudes, values, and behaviors.
- Appreciate multiple perspectives and participate in society as a conscious global citizen.
Integrity & Accountability expanding section
- Take ownership of your actions and learn from your mistakes.
- Act with the interests of the larger community in mind.
- Establish personal responsibility and effective work habits (e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, time/workload management).
Self-Management expanding section
- Identify and articulate your interests, skills, values, and experiences.
- Explore and make decisions about academic and career options.
- Establish and take steps to execute a personal academic and career plan.
- Manage your strengths, limitations, emotions, and biases in a variety of situations.
- Demonstrate the continual development of a positive personal brand.
Adaptability
- Recognize challenges as opportunities to improve.
- Take risks and understand that mistakes contribute to growth.
- Welcome constructive feedback and use it to strengthen your performance.
- Embrace a growth mindset approach that allows for action, reflection, failure, and resilience for lifelong learning and development.
Explore expanding section
- Develop a growth mindset to help yourself overcome new challenges
- Look for opportunities to try new things and apply your learning
- Set up informational interviews and job shadows to learn about career options
- Be willing to learn from mistakes and let go of things outside of your control
- Overcome challenges with support from campus student success resources
- Know what to expect in your academics by regularly viewing your Advisement Report in WINGS with your academic advisor
Experience expanding section
- Take a class in an area that is new or challenging
- Sign up for a project or team that is different from your usual routine
- Attend Involvement Fest or a career fair to find new experiences
- Set short and long-term goals and outline the steps you need to take to accomplish them
- Take part in education abroad to test your skills in a new or unfamiliar environment
Excel expanding section
- Find a process in your part-time job or internship that isn’t working as well as it could and find a way to improve it
- Instead of resisting changes or challenges, try thinking of ways to ease the adjustment
- Accept new or different responsibilities with a positive attitude and figure out a way to manage time differently to adapt to the change
- Prepare for upcoming interviews by completing a mock interview with your career advisor (Schedule via Navigate)
Collaboration and Leadership
- Build mutually beneficial relationships and achieve common goals by understanding, valuing, and leveraging the strengths of others.
- Take responsibility for your own role and contributions within a team.
- Organize, prioritize, and delegate work.
- Negotiate and manage conflict without compromising group objectives.
Explore expanding section
- Collaborate with others on a class project with shared duties
- Practice being respectful of people’s viewpoints even if you do not agree with them
- Find opportunities to work with others through a student organization, a volunteer opportunity, or a part-time job
- Create a study group using Study Buddies in Navigate to connect with other students in your courses
Experience expanding section
- Take a class or attend a workshop to develop leadership skills
- Practice teamwork and leadership in an internship related to your career interests
- Share your expertise as a tutor in the Murphy Learning Center
- Work with teammates to develop expectations for each team member’s responsibilities and communication preferences
- Take on leadership responsibilities in a student organization, job, internship, or group project
Excel expanding section
- Participate in LeaderShape to learn how to lead through community, inclusivity, integrity, and vision
- Think about how to maximize people’s strengths when managing a project
- Respectfully and professionally address any issues regarding team members' contributions and work load
- Seek opportunities to learn from people you see as leaders and use those lessons to hone your own leadership
- Assess yourself on a team to identify ways you can be a better leader by understanding those around you
- Serve as a role model to others by approaching tasks with confidence and a positive attitude
Communication
- Effectively articulate thoughts and ideas to others in written and oral forms.
- Engage in dialogue that leads to productive outcomes.
- Understand the impact of nonverbal communication on professional work image.
- Use interpersonal skills to motivate and develop others.
Explore expanding section
- Use your UWL email and Canvas account daily to communicate with faculty, advisors, and classmates
- Take a variety of written and oral communication classes
- Find opportunities to communicate with others by joining a student organization or volunteering in the community
- Check for understanding by asking clarifying questions
- Proofread your papers using free resources like spellcheck or Grammarly
- Actively participate in class discussions and debates
- Attend open office hours or schedule an appointment to get to know your professors
Experience expanding section
- Utilize the Writing Center or Public Speaking Center for feedback on your writing and public speaking skills
- Listen carefully to others, taking time to understand and ask appropriate questions without interrupting
- Develop your elevator pitch, or professional introduction
- Review and clean up your online presence, especially on social media accounts
- Attend career fairs and other networking events to practice professional communication
Excel expanding section
- Practice your interviewing skills by completing a mock interview with your career advisor (Schedule via Navigate)
- Have your application materials reviewed by Career Services (Schedule via Navigate)
- Present your academic or work experience at the UWL Research & Creativity Symposium or the Internship Showcase
- Promptly inform others when you need guidance or assistance on assigned tasks
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Exercise sound reasoning to independently analyze issues, identify options, formulate opinions, make decisions, and overcome problems.
- Demonstrate originality and inventiveness when identifying possible courses of action.
- Account for personal biases and recognize that there may be more than one valid point of view.
Explore expanding section
- Practice planning ahead by viewing your Advisement Report in WINGS with your academic advisor
- Seek support from campus student success resources when faced with a challenge
- Take a wide variety of courses to challenge your thinking
- Volunteer as a participant for campus research projects
- Monitor and manage your emotions during decision-making
Experience expanding section
- Ask questions and avoid accepting ideas or opinions as facts
- Participate in class discussions and debate
- Join an organization that engages in problem-solving activities such as the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) or the Mock Trial Team (Pre-Law Society)
- Participate in research through a class assignment or as a research assistant to a faculty member
- Join the UWL Student Association to participate in the campus decision-making process
Excel expanding section
- Use the Murphy Library as a tool to effectively evaluate information sources critically
- Write an opinion piece for a campus or community news publication, like The Racquet
- Conduct an independent research project
- Use your skills to identify and solve a problem at your job or internship
Digital Literacy and Technology
- Leverage knowledge of information and communications technology to ethically and efficiently solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
- Assess sources of information to determine legitimacy and suitability.
- Keep up with emerging technologies and adapt tools to new purposes.
Explore expanding section
- Become familiar with UWL campus technology
- Use your UWL Microsoft Office 365 account to communicate and keep up with appointments, meetings, classes, tests, and due dates
- Try using a new technology for a project
- Log in to Handshake to access UWL’s online job board and career resources
- Create a LinkedIn profile to start building your professional network online by connecting with professors, peers, advisors, and coworkers
- Search job postings in your intended field to see what types of technologies are essential and recommended for your future career
Experience expanding section
- Practice using a variety of technology tools to develop presentations, communicate online and coordinate group projects
- Take a class or an online tutorial to expand knowledge of technology used in your industry/career field
- Take advantage of available campus computer software to practice your digital skills
- Help a campus or community organization build their online presence
- Update your Handshake profile to include your most recent resume, career interests, and future plans
- Use the LinkedIn Alumni Tool to learn about career paths of UWL graduates and connect with alums in your future field/industry
Excel expanding section
- Add a Technical Skills category to your resume to showcase your digital expertise
- Use your LinkedIn account to connect with potential employers, search for job/internship opportunities, and develop a strong professional presence online
- Find full-time job opportunities and upcoming career events in Handshake
- Create a personal website or e-portfolio to share examples of your professional work
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
- Cultivate awareness of your own identity and that of others through exploration of diversity, including race, ethnicity, country of origin, ability, class, gender, age, spirituality, etc.
- Understand how culture and identity affects perceptions, attitudes, values, and behaviors.
- Appreciate multiple perspectives and participate in society as a conscious global citizen.
Explore expanding section
- Reflect on different aspects of your personal and social identity
- Learn about new ideas in a diversity or world cultures class such as WGS 100, ERS 100, or SOC 225
- Learn about diversity terminology to better engage in discourse on this topic
- Become familiar with the diversity resources available at UWL
- Attend campus events about diversity and social justice
- Join the Global Buddy Program or attend a Cultural Coffee Hour to learn about other cultures from UWL International students and study abroad alumni
Experience expanding section
- Join a student organization focused on diversity, inclusion, and/or allyship
- Find a volunteer or service learning opportunity to positively impact a social issue in the community
- Engage with people from a variety of backgrounds and try to understand their unique perspective
- Read books or listen to podcasts by authors with differing backgrounds and perspectives
- Participate in education abroad to engage with another culture
Excel expanding section
- Research the culture and work environment of companies or graduate programs you are considering
- Complete Harvard’s Implicit Association Tests to learn about your hidden biases
- Participate in workshops and trainings such as Partners in Movement or Ally Training
- Join a peer education program such as Awareness Through Performance (ATP) or Students Educating & Embracing Diversity (SEEDs)
Accountability
- Take ownership of your actions and learn from your mistakes.
- Act with the interests of the larger community in mind.
- Establish personal responsibility and effective work habits (e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, time/workload management).
Explore expanding section
- Arrive on time for all classes, meetings, and work shifts
- Put in your fair share of work on group projects
- Check your UWL email and Canvas account daily to ensure you receive important information in a timely manner
- Use your Microsoft Office 365 account to keep up with appointments, meetings, classes, tests, and due dates
- Join Study Buddies in Navigate to connect with other students in your courses and find ways to study together
- Listen and reflect on what other people are saying before you respond
- Register to vote and educate yourself to participate in upcoming elections
- Maintain a positive and proactive attitude during tough situations
Experience expanding section
- Demonstrate active listening and attentiveness during class and in conversations with others
- Observe workplace behavior in a part-time job or internship; consider the attributes that make someone a “hard worker” or a “team player”
- Work on being transparent and taking concerns directly to individuals
- Reflect on how you have handled conflict at work or at school and consider how you could have acted more professionally
- Review and clean up your online presence, especially on social media accounts
Excel expanding section
- Take initiative to seek and ask for new opportunities to contribute in your job or internship
- Ask supervisors or professors for constructive feedback on your work
- Own up to your mistakes and reflect on how to improve in the future
Career & Self-Development
- Identify and articulate your interests, skills, values, and experiences.
- Explore and make decisions about academic and career options.
- Establish and take steps to execute a personal academic and career plan.
- Manage your strengths, limitations, emotions, and biases in a variety of situations.
- Demonstrate the continual development of a positive personal brand.
Explore expanding section
- Become familiar with the types of advising available to you during your time at UWL
- Seek support from campus student success resources when issues arise
- Attend open office hours or schedule an appointment with your professors to discuss how to be successful in your courses
- Use your UWL Microsoft Office 365 account or a physical planner to manage upcoming tasks and deadlines
- Make an appointment with the Academic Advising Center & Career Services to take Focus 2 Career and discuss your results (Schedule via Navigate)
- Visit the Murphy Learning Center to improve in a challenging academic subject
- Develop a resume with your career advisor (Schedule via Navigate)
- Regularly view your Advisement Report in WINGS to assist with future planning
- Learn about your interests, skills, and values through an on-campus or part-time job
- Conduct informational interviews and job shadows to learn about possible career paths
Experience expanding section
- Seek mentors on campus and in your future career field who can provide advice and guidance as you navigate your career development process
- Develop professional relationships with your instructors and supervisors, particularly if you will be seeking letters of recommendation in the future
- Make a plan to manage your mental health and wellness
- Learn about developing an effective personal brand
- Join a career-related student organization or professional association to learn industry-specific professionalism
- Research appropriate professional dress for your future career field
- Review and clean up your online presence, especially on social media accounts
- Further explore your interests and develop your skills through an internship
Excel expanding section
- Welcome and use constructive criticism as a growth opportunity
- Meet with your career advisor for individualized search tips and to review your application materials before applying to full-time jobs (Schedule via Navigate)
- Update your LinkedIn account and strengthen your network connections as you prepare for future opportunities
- Practice your interviewing skills by completing a mock interview with your career advisor (Schedule via Navigate)
Faculty Resources
Course Design & Mapping to EA expanding section
Community Engaged Learning Flow Chart
Undergraduate courses designated as Community Engaged Learning (CEL) courses require a minimum of 15 hours of work with/for a community partner and must include at least one Student Learning Outcome aligned with a minimum of one EA competency. This PDF highlights the processes for developing a CEL course. More information about this optional designation can be found here: https://www.uwlax.edu/community/instructors/
Mapping Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) to Eagle Advantage (EA)
This example from a faculty member in the Economic department demonstrates how student learning outcomes are mapped to EA competencies. Students use multiple competencies throughout the course while creating models, analyzing data, writing a paper, presenting results, and working in groups.
Mapping Academic Department to EA
This example from Melissa Weege & Amanda Carpenter in the Radiation Therapy Program lists how students are developing EA competencies through specific classes, clinical internships, student organization, and the RT profession and community.
Syllabus & Assignment Examples expanding section
This is a general sample syllabus statement that illustrates how course content connects to EA career readiness competencies. Instructors can choose to incorporate this language into their course syllabi and are welcome to tailor the statement accordingly.
EA Reflective Writing Assignment
This example from Lindsey Steiner in the English department who incorporated the EA into two reflective writing assignments. The first assignment asks students to examine career readiness competencies they have developed in the course and to select additional competencies they wish to develop or strengthen. The second assignment guides students through using EA language to describe course projects on their resume.
Career Planning Worksheet in LS200, FYS, and LS300
The competencies were introduced in LS200 to support 1st and 2nd year students who are exploring major and career options. They discussed opportunities to develop in the competency areas and completed the worksheet to plan their next few semesters to strategically target areas for improvement. The activity was also assigned to students in First Year Seminar as part of the Career Planning module. In LS300, a different competency was highlighted each week and students reflected on how they have developed in that area so far and how it fits into their future career plans.
Department Promotional Flyers expanding section
Promotional Flyer for ERS Minor
The Ethnic & Racial Studies minor developed a promotional handout to demonstrate how the minor can prepare students for the workforce, particularly as it relates to the “Engaging Diversity” EA competency. This template can be modified for other programs.