Skills
You will develop in-demand skills for future-proof careers, combining the lasting impact of a liberal arts education (that features critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and effective communication) with highly marketable skills in the modern workforce, such as data visualization, search engine optimization, AI, Excel, and more. You will be able to articulate and demonstrate these skills to prospective employers in a way that highlights your skill development and cocurricular experiences.
Build In-Demand Skills for a Future-Proof Career
Your experience at Lewis & Clark will open doors and help to define your future path. Our distinct approach to learning prepares you to lead with purpose.
Timeless Liberal Arts Strengths
The top career competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers align perfectly with the core values of a liberal arts education:
- Critical Thinking: analyzing problems from multiple angles
- Written and Verbal Communication: expressing ideas clearly and effectively
- Problem Solving: exploring complex topics with intellectual rigor
- Teamwork: collaborating across identities, disciplines, and worldviews
These are the foundational skills that employers consistently rank as most valuable in today’s job market, especially in roles that require leadership, creativity, and problem solving.
Market-Ready, Technical, and Digital Skills
The Bates Center for Entrepreneurship and Leadership offers a growing suite of skills classes and certifications that will complement and amplify your liberal arts education. You can major in what you love and graduate with the toolkit you need. A few examples:
- Data Visualization: learn how to tell compelling stories through charts and interactive dashboards
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): discover best practices on making content discoverable in a digital-first world
- Salesforce Associate Certification: delve into an in-depth focus about the most popular Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform so you can pass the core Salesforce Administrator Certification test
- AI for Businesses and Nonprofits: gain working knowledge of leading AI tools to enhance marketing, design, analysis, and accounting
- Project Management Practicum: work with real-world case studies to learn the fundamentals of project management so you can pass the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam
Showcasing Your Skills
You won’t just build these skills—you’ll be able to prove them. The Career Center’s team of advisors can help you better highlight and demonstrate your skills to employers on your résumé.
Want to Learn More?
Explore the Career Center Resource LibrarySchedule a Career Skills Coaching Session