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Eagle Advantage

Eagle Advantage helps students recognize, develop, and articulate sought-after essential skills in professional life.

This website supplies resources for students and the campus community looking to utilize the Eagle Advantage competencies. 

Below are eight competencies adapted from National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as being critical to success. Click on each essential skill below to learn more and prepare for your future. 

Adaptability
Collaboration & Leadership
Communication
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Digital Literacy & Technology
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Accountability
Career & Self-Development

Additional resources for
 Students Faculty Staff

Faculty Resources

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Course Mapping & Assessment

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.

First day survey SOC 250

This assessment was administered by Dr. Lisa Kruse as a pre- and post-test anonymous survey to students in an introductory methods course where a Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) Project was the main focus. The survey was given on the first day of class before going over the syllabus and course expectations. The post-test survey was given after the first draft of the CEL project was submitted. The purpose of incorporating the CEL project was to help students see the relevance of learning quantitative data analysis for future employment, both in the skill of data analysis itself and also in how data analysis helps build EA skills.

Eagle Advantage SLO Assessment PSY 331

Dr. Tesia Marsik created an indirect assessment and direct assessment of students’ competencies through a reflective writing assignment. This example includes the assignment, rubric, assessment results, and reflection of next steps.

Syllabus & Assignment Examples

Sample EA Syllabus Statement

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.

Eagle Advantage-Infused Projects & Reflective Writing Prompts

Explore Eagle Advantage-infused projects & reflective writing assignment prompts from instructors across UWL. Each project includes a brief explanation for instructors, EA syllabus statement, and EA-focused assignment. These projects were developed during the summer 2022 Eagle Advantage Infusion training.

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

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.

Staff Resources

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Student Employee Evaluation Examples

Murphy Library EA Student Worker Evaluation

The Murphy Library conducts a performance appraisal on each student worker and groups performance aspects by EA competency. The employee rates their job performance on a 5-point scale.

Peer Advisors Self-Evaluation & Reflection

Peer advisors and interns in the Academic Advising Center & Career Services office self-evaluate themselves on a 3-point scale for each of the EA competencies and supervisors provide feedback. The competency definitions were expanded to include experiences and skills utilized in the role.

Student Internship Evaluation, Supervisor Internship Evaluation, and Work Progress Reports

Students complete a self-evaluation for an internship-for-credit through UWL Career Services. Site supervisors complete a similar post-evaluation of the intern. Students also complete a mid-term and end-of-term reflection in a work progress report. Several questions focus on EA competencies and asks for examples of how they demonstrated the competencies in the internship. These evaluations and reports are administered through surveys. The questions can be adapted to evaluate students you supervise.

Student Employee Development

Career Services Internship Goals

EA competencies can be used to create developmental goals for internships. This sheet help interns reflect on the skills they would like to develop based on the EA competencies and set SMART goals.

Desk Coordinator – DA Development Model

This development model is used by the Residence Life desk coordinators to implement an individualized approach in helping desk assistants develop the EA competencies. They focus on one competency per month.

Eagle Advantage SRC

Peer mentors and researchers in the Scholarship Resource Center are encouraged to regularly record how they applied the EA competencies during consultations with students and other responsibilities in their roles. They also reflect to identify areas of improvement. Adapted from the Financial Aid Office EA Student Review Form for building students' skillset.

Student Resources

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Resume Writing & Interviewing

Resume Action Verbs

Resumes include bullet points to share skills and accomplishments from a variety of experiences. To start an effective bullet point, it’s beneficial to use a descriptive action verb so the reader can imagine you performing the action. Use this list of action verbs for inspiration when you’re stuck or to diversify the verbs used on your resume.

Behavior Based Interview Questions

Some employers believe that the best predictor of future success is past success. In behavior- based interviews, you will be asked to give specific examples or stories to provide evidence that you have the skills required for the position. Since the EA competencies are qualities employers want, this sheet provides examples of potential questions asked during interviews. Use this sheet to practice your answers using the STAR method.

STAR Interview Answers Worksheet

This worksheet can be used to write out or jot down notes for examples, situations, or stories that you could use for behavior-based interview questions. Create a scenario for each of the EA competencies by describing the Situation, Task, Action, and Results (STAR). Then, use the worksheet as a guide as you verbally practice your answer.

Reflection Tools – How to talk about Eagle Advantage

Career Planning Worksheet

Use this worksheet to plan when and what activities you will do to develop the Eagle Advantage competencies. For ideas on how to explore, experience, and excel in the EA competencies, click on the EA images.

Eagle Advantage for Role (Template)

This template can be used to reflect how you are utilizing and gaining EA competencies in any role. Enter your role at the top, then fill out a few examples for each EA. Then, share these examples on your resume, cover letters, personal statements, or during interviews! These examples can help you get started:

General Education Meets Eagle Advantage

Use this sheet to identify and track how you are developing Eagle Advantage competencies in Gen Ed classes. If you need help brainstorming ideas, schedule an appointment with a career advisor through Navigate or calling 608.785.6950

 

What Do Employers Say?

We asked employers what skills they are looking for from ideal candidates. Their answers directly related to the Eagle Advantage competencies. Check out these short videos to learn more about the value of Eagle Advantage competencies from the perspective of employers.

 

Gundersen
Comptroller
Direct Supply
Madison Police
Eurofins

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
Experience
  • 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 
  • 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 
  • Be willing to learn from mistakes and let go of things outside of your control 
Excel
  • 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 & 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
Experience
  • 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, group project, or intramural sports 
Excel
  • Think about how to maximize people’s strengths when working on a team  
  • Respectfully and professionally address any issues regarding team members' contributions and workload 
  • 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
  • Use your UWL email and Canvas account daily to communicate with faculty, advisors, and classmates  
  • Take a variety of written and oral communication classes; for writing courses, search for classes in WINGS by requirement designation, select “writing emphasis”   
  • Find opportunities to communicate with others by joining a student organization or volunteering in the community 
  • Check for understanding by asking clarifying questions 
  • Actively participate in class discussions and debates 
  • Attend open office hours or schedule an appointment to get to know your professors 
Experience
Excel

Critical Thinking & 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
  • Practice planning ahead by viewing your Advisement Report in WINGS with your academic advisor and exploring career pathways with your career 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
  • Ask questions and avoid accepting ideas or opinions as facts by assessing credibility   
  • 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
  • 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  
  • Reflect on courses/projects to identify skills learned from those experiences and how they can be used in your future career 
  • Get creative in a continued search for scholarships with the Scholarship Resource Center 

Digital Literacy &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
  • 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
  • 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 
  • Compile a list of your technical skills and add this category to your resume to showcase your digital expertise; Be prepared to explain those skills in an interview 
  • 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 
Excel
  • 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
Experience
Excel
  • 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 Ally Training  
  • Participate in advocacy for causes you support within your community 

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
  • Arrive on time for all classes, meetings, and work shifts 
  • Understand your role on a group project and commit to fulfilling that role 
  • Use your Microsoft Office 365 and Canvas account daily to keep up with emails, appointments, meetings, syllabi, 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
  • 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”  
  • Practice transparency 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
  • 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
Experience
  • 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, professional association, or professional development event to learn industry-specific knowledge 
  • Research appropriate work attire 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