HKS students working

Skill Building Resources and Workshops

OCA assists HKS students in refining the skills they will need to manage their careers effectively – from articulating a consistent career vision, preparing an effective resume, drafting cover letters, expanding and managing professional networks, and marketing their HKS degree, to successful interviewing and salary negotiation. OCA offers written skill sheets on all these topics, plus opportunities to develop and practice skills in group and individual sessions.

To get started:

  • Download the HKS resume templates (available in JACK’s OCA Document Library) and Skill Building Resource Sheets. All resource sheets can also be found in the OCA Document Library in JACK: Jobs and Careers for the Kennedy School, our career management system.
  • Plan to attend OCA’s interactive skills workshops. These sessions are an opportunity to improve your skills and to give and receive constructive feedback with your classmates and OCA coaches. The workshop schedule is coordinated with the calendar for on-campus recruitment and major OCA events throughout the year to help focus your skill-building around specific industry needs. Refer to the OCA calendar and save key dates in your personal planner!
  • If you would benefit from some individual support, please make an appointment with an OCA coach.

For additional workshop support on enhancing your communications skills, the HKS Communications Program runs workshops throughout the year on public speaking, writing and other essential communication techniques. Please refer to the Communications Program for information and a schedule of their offerings.

Useful Documents

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