10 Things Employers Want You to Learn in College
The Know-How You Need to Succeed
by Bill Coplin
Copyright © 2003

Read Book Review by Dr. David P. Helfand.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part One: The Ten Know-How Groups (plus Extra Credit)

Chapter 1: Establishing a Work Ethic

Kick Yourself in the Butt • Be Honest • Manage Your Time • Manage Your Money 

Chapter 2: Developing Physical Skills

Stay Well • Look Good • Type 35 WPM Error Free • Take Legible Notes 

Chapter 3: Communicating Verbally

Converse One-on-One • Present to Groups • Use Visual Displays

Chapter 4: Communicating in Writing

Write Well • Edit and Proof • Use Word-Processing Tools • Send Information Electronically 

Chapter 5: Working Directly with People

Build Good Relationships • Work in Teams • Teach Others

Chapter 6: Influencing People

Manage Efficiently • Sell Successfully • Politick Wisely • Lead Effectively

Chapter 7: Gathering Information

Use Library Holdings • Use Commercial Databases • Search the Web • Conduct Interviews • Use Surveys • Keep and Use Records

Chapter 8: Using Quantitative Tools

Use Numbers • Use Graphs and Tables • Use Spreadsheet Programs

Chapter 9: Asking and Answering the Right Questions

Detect BS • Pay Attention to Detail • Apply Knowledge • Evaluate Actions and Policies

Chapter 10: Solving Problems

Identify Problems • Develop Solutions • Launch Solutions

Chapter 11: Earning Extra Credit for Your Know-How Score

Spotlight Software Expertise beyond Microsoft Word and Excel • Master In-Depth Knowledge of Any Field • Accent Foreign Language Skills • Perform Community Service • Emphasize Artistic and Music Knowledge and/or Skill • Stress Sports Skills • Highlight Pleasure Activities

Part Two: Boosting Your Know-How Score (KHS)

Chapter 12: Making KHS-Friendly College, Program, and Course Choices

Choose a College • Choose a Program • Select Courses • Find Connections

Chapter 13: Creating Your Own Apprenticeships

Explore Apprentice-Based Education • Build Your Base • Land Good Summer Jobs and Internships • Make the Most of Your Experiences  

Chapter 14: Exploring Off-Campus Semesters

Build Your KHS Off Campus • Weigh Overseas Experiences versus Experiences in the United States and Canada • Earn Credit for Course Work • Consider the Negatives • Find Programs  

Chapter 15: Doing Well by Doing Good during Your College Years

Build Your KHS by Volunteering • Value Volunteer Activities—Employers Do • Explore Careers • Cultivate Integrity  

Chapter 16: Thinking beyond College

Consider the Graduate Education Alternative • Explore the Profitable Alternative • Value the Do-Good Alternative • Build Your Postgraduate KHS

Part Three: Planning Your Success

Chapter 17: Using Your KHS to Explore Professional Fields

Identify Your Professional Interests • Begin the Self-Reflection Process • Scan the Professions • Look at Specific Fields In-Depth to Find Skills • Apply What You Have Found to Your KHS

Chapter 18: Building Your Skills Agenda

Spend Time on Task • Plan for a High KHS • Develop a Model KHS Learning Plan

Chapter 19: Moving toward a Perfect KHS Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview

Select the Skills You Want to Emphasize • Present Each of the Ten Know-How Groups • Use Extra Credit • Capitalize on What You’ve Learned