Relating Your Academic Background To Your Career

Education often provides an important stepping stone to professional success. It can offer you the specific training you need for your career. It can also help you to hone your rational thinking skills, making you better equipped to solve problems in the workplace. However, at times, you might find it difficult to relate your academic background to your career, especially during your job search. Here are some tips on how to make the connection effectively:

You should be proud of your educational achievements. While it is true that experience may carry more weight with employers than education, education definitely runs a close second. A number of resume reviewers will be looking to see whether you have the academic credentials for the position you are seeking. So be sure to include not only a listing of the degrees and diplomas you've earned, but also your majors, minors, and any coursework which is directly relevant to the position you're applying for. In addition, if you earned a high grade point average, be sure to make note of it in your resume.

Although you do want to call attention to your educational credentials, it is best if you list your experience first. Remember, education provides the foundation that allows you to achieve your professional dreams. Therefore, the various positions you've held should be listed first, followed by a reference to the education you've received.

A cover letter is a wonderful opportunity for you to show how your education relates to your career goals. You can state quite simply how your coursework helped you to prepare for your career. The educational section of your cover letter need not be long just a few lines can help to sum up how you have benefited professionally from your education.

When referring to your education in your resume and your cover letter, don't forget about some non-traditional means of education. For instance, perhaps you took a course at work that you found to be particularly beneficial or maybe you took a non-credit course at a community college that you found helpful. Where you received the education is not as important as the kind of education you received.

You should not shy away from discussing your education during your job interview. Note to the interviewer how you applied the concepts you learned to your work on the job. You might also talk about a professor that truly inspired you. These personal stories can be quite memorable, and may cause you to stand out from the rest of the job candidates. Also, don't forget to mention the names of the educational institutions you've attended. An interviewer might be quite impressed with the schools you were accepted to or he or she might have attended the same schools, allowing a bond to develop between you.

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