What Doesn’t Show Up on a College Graduate’s Resume

Ashley Acord of Bella Vista earned a master’s degree delivered online because she wanted to advance in her career.

Potential employers can look at an applicant’s resume to see what subjects the applicant studied. They can’t see the soft skills that college graduates gain.

Definition Soft skills are personal, people-focused abilities that shape how you interact with others, manage yourself, and handle workplace situations.

They aren’t tied to a specific job task but help you work well with others and navigate workplace environments efficiently.

Acord said soft skills she sharpened during her degree included time management, maintaining work and life balance, giving presentations, problem-solving, groupwork, confidence, leadership and communication.

“Working with a group of your peers on a project for a class that you’re all learning together is really teaching you how to problem-solve and find information,” she said. “In my role, I manage multiple projects across departments. I’ve taken the lead on projects and for others I am a contributor. But for both I’m confident in my ability to collaborate with my peers.”

Research indicates that strong soft skills are linked to better job performance and long-term success; one widely cited study suggests about 85% of job success comes from well-developed people and interpersonal skills, not technical ability alone.

“My degree opened doors for me professionally more than I imagined when I set out to get it,” Acord said.

 

Technical Position to Management

A college degree adds more value than simply a paycheck. Graduates say they grew personally and professionally as a result of their higher education.

Acord earned a bachelor's degree in film from the University of New Orleans and had a successful career as a videographer/editor for University Relations at the U of A. She started the Master of Science in Operations Management offered online by the University of Arkansas while employed at the U of A.

After leaving her job at the U of A, she moved to PAM Transport where she was promoted four months after getting her degree from video producer to a newly created position of marketing and communications manager.

Later, she moved on to Walmart Stores Inc., where she was recently promoted to Senior Manger of Driver Communications and Engagement. Just as she expected and hoped, her advanced degree helped her move from a technical role to management positions.

“My master’s degree absolutely helped me build soft skills, presentation skills,” she said. “Being able to balance going to work and school teaches you time management, which helps with work-life balance, making time for things that matter.”

 

Long-Term Goals

Brittney Laney of Springdale also wanted a master’s degree because it would advance her along her career path. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in business management from the U of A at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. She had worked part time on campus as an undergrad and went back to a full-time position when she could not find a job in the business management field. Eventually, she changed her mind about her future.

“I stepped back and thought about my next steps,” Laney said. “I wanted to pursue a master’s of education degree for a long-term career in higher education. Once you work in higher education, you realize a lot of leadership positions require master’s degrees. I didn’t want to limit my growth or miss out on opportunities because I didn’t have credentials.”

She enrolled in the Master of Education in Adult and Lifelong Learning degree program delivered online by the U of A while working at the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing. From there, she went to work at Alice L. Walton School of Medicine in Bentonville.

 

Hard and Soft Skills

Laney uses knowledge from her degree on the job including adult learning principles, large-scale needs assessments and program planning. She assisted on large tasks such as preparing for an accreditation visit to the medical school and developing curriculum.

The money spent and time invested – studying nights, weekends and occasionally taking paid time off for projects – were worth it, she said.

Like Acord, Laney also noted her soft skills improved as she earned her degree.

“It helped me become more of a self-starter,” Laney said. “In college (her undergraduate program), professors were reminding you about deadlines. In my first (graduate) course with (Dr. Kenda) Grover, the first or second assignment, I wondered if she was going to remind us we had an assignment due that night. She didn’t. It’s the same in the workplace: you have to take the initiative, be independent, more confident and proactive.”

Laney said she was excited to learn the content.

“I guess what surprised me was the soft skills and confidence to take the initiative and manage projects at work,” she said. “It carried over into my professional life. When I started, I didn’t think of that part.”

Interaction with other students also gave Laney insight into others’ careers and experiences for a broader perspective.

 

Build Up, Keep Going

Acord offered thoughts for someone undecided about pursuing a degree. Understand you can go at your own pace, depending on the program, to pursue a degree, she said. Taking a few courses at a time can add to your knowledge base while spreading out the cost, she said. It may take longer to earn a degree but you’re building on your skills an employer wants as you go.

Laney also suggested starting slowly if unsure.

“It’s your decision,” she said. “No one can make it for you, but if you’re not sure, take one class and see. If you don’t like it, you can quit. You won’t know if you don’t try. Trying is better than not knowing.”

Ultimately, having her master’s degree gives her peace of mind, Laney said, as well as security.

“I’m proud to have the degree, and I’m also relieved to have finished the program,” she said.