St. Ben’s provides students great advantages

Dear Bennie:

When I graduated from CSB in 2005, I didn’t have a job offer in hand or a clearly defined career path in mind. As a history major and math minor, my interests were wide-ranging and my next steps were uncertain. But, coming out of college, I had four distinct advantages over my peers at other colleges:

1. I had broad skills developed through a liberal education and applicable to many different jobs–including jobs I’d never contemplated. Yes, I knew a lot about U.S. history and multivariable calculus. I also knew how to work with diverse teams, make a persuasive and data-informed argument, think critically and creatively and engage ethically in my local and global communities. These skills are essential for getting a first job and advancing through a career.

2. Even as a new graduate, I could point to relevant experiences that prepared me for work. I had used high-tech instruments in my science labs (rather than observing a teaching assistant among hundreds of other students); I had presented a research paper in a national forum; I had succeeded at campus leadership roles; and I had practiced intercultural communication, adaptability and problem-solving during a semester abroad.

3. As a young woman from a rural community, I didn’t have a wide network—but as a Bennie, I had access to Bennie and Johnnie alums working in communities around the world. This network is fiercely loyal to CSB+SJU and to each other. A Johnnie hired me for my first job, and my most recent hire was a Bennie. In the decades between, I can point to many others in the Bennie + Johnnie network who have connected me to opportunities. And, that network of alums is increasingly geographically and racially diverse. Not sure how to connect? XPD can help you access this amazing resource.

4. I was confident in my abilities and not afraid to use my voice. Research has demonstrated that this can be challenging for women: women tend to underestimate their abilities and have less self-confidence than men. Alumnae indicate that women’s colleges like CSB are more effective than both coed private colleges and major public universities in helping women be prepared for their first job, develop self-confidence and initiative and learn to solve problems and make decisions. (Men, don’t tune out: strong women role models are important for your leadership development, too!)

With these advantages for graduates, it’s no surprise that CSB and SJU rank as the top two colleges in Minnesota for getting a job. No matter your major, background or area of interest, you’ll benefit from your experiences at CSB+SJU.