Updated November 6, 2025
A bachelor's degree is the beginning requirement for most professional employment or professional service opportunities. This gives you a broad liberal education and a specific specialization in a major and/or minor or selected electives. But you will need more.
Basic knowledge—Take advantage of your general education requirements! Your college courses will help you gain excellent skills in many areas, such as the following:
- Good math skills
- Excellent writing skills
- Oral communication
- Interpersonal competence
- Problem-solving abilities
- Critical thinking skills
- High moral and ethical standards
Work Experience—Any experience can help, but take advantage of opportunities related more specifically to your professional goals:
- Part-time or full-time jobs
- Internships
- Summer jobs
- On-Campus jobs
- Volunteer work
Foreign Languages—Foreign language skills can help you stick out to employers:
- Speaking, reading, and/or writing
Computer and Information Skills:
- Computer literacy, which includes word processing skills, spreadsheet skills, and internet experience
Extra-curricular/Leadership Experience—BYUSA has lots of opportunities to get involved in student leadership. There are also other options, such as the following:
- Church organizations
- Volunteer work
- Student government
- Community programs
International Experiences—BYU has international programs offered in many locations. They have four types of international experiences offered to students, such as the following:
- Study Abroad
- International Internship
- Direct Enrollment
- Field School
Preparation to Transition to the Workplace—Contact BYU Career Services for information about companies, corporations, and organizations. Their department can help you with many other things, such as the following:
- Confidence
- People skills/interviewing skills/networking abilities
- Knowledge of employers
- Ability to help employers see how your experience fits with what they need
- Resumes and cover letters
- Letters of recommendation
- Informational interviews, etc.