Life Skills
In the Center for Careers, Life, and Service, we want to help you identify the ways you can enhance your professional, personal, and civic development. There is much more to life than your professional trajectory, and learning “life skills” will complement the educational and cocurricular activities you engage in during your time at Grinnell.
Individual Advising
Through one-on-one advising, you can work with a CLS adviser to discuss and develop life skills. Topics you explore with your adviser may include:
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Basic budgeting
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Accounting, finance, and business analytics skills
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Decision-making strategies
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Time management
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Managing your online presence
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Preparing for professional conferences
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Post-college transitions
Life Skills Programming
Financial Literacy
Financial literacy means that you know how to manage your money in a way that is meaningful to you. CLS programs covering day-to-day finance skills, signing contracts, and investment plans are designed to help you develop the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about your finances.
Negotiation
Negotiation is a collaborative process aimed at finding a mutually beneficial decision. This may occur while working with a group on a project or when collaborating with others to create something new. You may also negotiate when accepting a job offer. Led by Grinnell College’s Ombuds, the biannual Art of Negotiation workshop explores when you can and should negotiate, negotiation styles, and choosing an effective strategy for negotiation.
@Work Series
The @Work series aims to provide an inclusive space for you to learn, share, and reflect on identities in the workplace. The workshops include a discussion on authenticity and advocating for yourself in the world of work. Past programming has included: Access @ Work, Faith @ Work, OUT @ Work, Race @ Work, and Women @ Work.
Etiquette Dinner
The biannual etiquette dinner is an interactive event over a three-course meal where you will learn and practice etiquette for lunches and dinners. Hosted by a resident expert, you are led through etiquette tips and techniques, as well as a discussion about the reasons for knowing etiquette (e.g. networking meals, interviews, conferences). Priority is given to upperclass students.