Skills Employers Seek - Creative

Click on a role below to reveal a dropdown with the technical skills, success skills, and knowledge areas employers value, along with ways you can develop them through online learning, certifications, and hands-on experiences. These are just a few examples to get you started, but there are many other ways to build skills and explore careers that align with your interests.

  • CAD Software (Computer Aided Design)
  • Computer Publishing Software
  • Graphic & Photo Software
  • Video Production Software
  • Web Development
  • CAD Software (Computer Aided Design)
    • Online Learning: Enroll in online courses on platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning to learn CAD software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
    • Udemy: Take specialized courses on Udemy to gain proficiency in various CAD tools.
  • Computer Publishing Software
    • Adobe InDesign: Utilize Adobe InDesign for creating professional layouts. Access tutorials and resources through Adobe’s Learn & Support center as well as LinkedIn Learning.
    • QuarkXPress: Learn QuarkXPress through online courses available on platforms like Udemy.
  • Graphic & Photo Software
    • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator): Visit Adobe Learn for dozens of FREE tutorials to help you master the Adobe Creative Suite.
    • Canva: Test out Canva for creating engaging presentations, posters, and various other marketing materials.
    • Figma: Practice utilizing Figma to create team-oriented web-based design-related products.
    • Rochester Design Club: Participate in workshops and projects organized by the Rochester Design Club to gain hands-on experience with graphical software.
  • Video Production Software
    • Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere, After Effects, Audition): Take advantage of Adobe Learn for dozens of FREE tutorials to help you master the Adobe Creative Suite.
    • Apple Final Cut Pro: Enroll in specialized courses on Udemy to gain proficiency in Apple Final Cut Pro.
    • Avid & DaVinci: Learn popular Hollywood editing platforms like Avid Media Composer and DaVinci Resolve through online courses available on platforms like Udemy.
    • Video Studio: Take advantage of the Rettner Hall Video Studio, where you can access camera, recording, and audio equipment, as well as software like the Adobe Creative Suite and Apple Final Cut Pro.
    • Undergraduate Film Council: Join the Undergraduate Film Council to participate in film projects and workshops that provide hands-on experience with video production software.
  • Web Development
    • Website Platforms (Squarespace, Wix, WordPress): Enroll in online courses on LinkedIn Learning and Coursera to learn how to build websites using platforms like Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress.
    • Programming Languages (JavaScript & Python): Take CSC 170: Introduction to Web Development to learn the basics of web development, including JavaScript and Python.
  • Active Listening
  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
    • Practice Active Listening: When you talk to people, practice the five behaviors of active listening: pay full attention, ask clarifying questions, summarize what you’re hearing, avoid interrupting, and provide feedback.
    • Workshops and Seminars: Attend workshops and seminars on effective communication and active listening offered by the Greene Center.
    • Group Projects: Engage in group projects and collaborative activities to practice and improve your active listening skills.
  • Communication
  • Creativity
    • Try New Things: Challenge yourself to try new things, collaborate with different people on projects, and seek out brainstorming opportunities.
    • Creative-Focused Learning: Participate in creative-focused learning opportunities such as workshops and design activities organized by the Rochester Design Club.
    • Reflect and Explore: Continuously explore and reflect on new ideas and perspectives to enhance your creativity.
  • Critical Thinking
    • Class Participation: Actively participate in your classes, clubs, and student organizations to develop critical thinking skills.
    • Read with Reflection: Read academic and professional materials with a reflective mindset to enhance your critical thinking.
    • Multiple Perspectives: Challenge yourself to consider multiple perspectives in discussions and projects to broaden your critical thinking abilities. This includes working with people who have different backgrounds and beliefs than you.
    • Escape Rooms and Team-Based Activities: Improve observation skills and critical thinking by participating in escape rooms or other team-based activities.
  • Writing
    • Writing and Speaking Program: Participate in the University’s Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program to improve your writing skills.
    • Writing Group: Join a writing group and/or utilize The Learning Center to practice and receive feedback on your writing.
    • Constructive Feedback: Identify someone (family, friend, alumni) to share constructive feedback with you to help improve your writing.

  • Graphic & Photo Software
  • Spreadsheet Software
  • Video Production Software
  • Social Media Platforms
  • Web Development
  • Graphic & Photo Software
    • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator): Visit Adobe Learn for dozens of FREE tutorials to help you master the Adobe Creative Suite.
    • Canva: Test out Canva for creating engaging presentations, posters, and various other marketing materials.
    • Figma: Practice utilizing Figma to create team-oriented web-based design-related products.
    • Rochester Design Club: Participate in workshops and projects organized by the Rochester Design Club to gain hands-on experience with graphical software.
  • Spreadsheet Software
    • Microsoft Excel: Take advantage of the workshops offered by Coursera and LinkedIn Learning on beginner, intermediate, and advanced Excel training sessions. 
    • Google Sheets: Utilize online tutorials and resources available through Google to master this platform. 
    • Internships and Jobs: Apply for internships and part-time jobs that require the use of spreadsheet software to gain practical experience. 
  • Video Production Software
    • Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere, After Effects, Audition): Take advantage of Adobe Learn for dozens of FREE tutorials to help you master the Adobe Creative Suite. 
    • Apple Final Cut Pro: Enroll in specialized courses on Udemy to gain proficiency in Apple Final Cut Pro. 
    • Avid & DaVinci: Learn popular Hollywood editing platforms like Avid Media Composer and DaVinci Resolve through online courses available on platforms like Udemy
    • Video Studio: Take advantage of the Rettner Hall Video Studio, where you can access camera, recording, and audio equipment, as well as software like the Adobe Creative Suite and Apple Final Cut Pro.  
    • Undergraduate Film Council: Join the Undergraduate Film Council to participate in film projects and workshops that provide hands-on experience with video production software.
  • Social Media Platforms
    • Stay Current on Trends: Follow industry leaders and influencers on platforms like LinkedInX (formerly Twitter), and Instagram to stay updated on the latest trends. 
    • Training Programs: Participate in Greene Center workshops and events to enhance your social media skills. 
  • Web Development
    • Website Platforms (SquarespaceWixWordPress): Enroll in online courses on LinkedIn Learning and Coursera to learn how to build websites using platforms like Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress. 
    • Programming Languages (JavaScript & Python): Take CSC 170: Introduction to Web Development to learn the basics of web development, including JavaScript and Python. 
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Active Listening
    • Practice Active Listening: When you talk to people, practice the five behaviors of active listening: pay full attention, ask clarifying questions, summarize what you’re hearing, avoid interrupting, and provide feedback. 
    • Workshops and Seminars: Attend workshops and seminars on effective communication and active listening offered by the Greene Center
    • Group Projects: Engage in group projects and collaborative activities to practice and improve your active listening skills. 
  • Critical Thinking
    • Class Participation: Actively participate in your classes, clubs, and student organizations to develop critical thinking skills.
    • Read with Reflection: Read academic and professional materials with a reflective mindset to enhance your critical thinking.
    • Multiple Perspectives: Challenge yourself to consider multiple perspectives in discussions and projects to broaden your critical thinking abilities. This includes working with people who have different backgrounds and beliefs than you.
    • Escape Rooms and Team-Based Activities: Improve observation skills and critical thinking by participating in escape rooms or other team-based activities.
  • Reading Comprehension
    • Book Club or Reading Group: Join a book club or reading group to practice and improve your reading comprehension skills.
    • Library Programs: Look for specific programs through the University’s Libraries that focus on reading comprehension and analysis.
    • Tutoring: Seek tutoring opportunities through The Learning Center to refine your reading comprehension skills and receive feedback.
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
    • Systemic Approaches: Develop consistent systemic approaches and follow proper procedures to enhance your problem-solving skills.
    • Creative and Adaptable: Be creative and adaptable in your approach to solving problems. Engage in activities that require innovative thinking.
    • Collaborative Projects: Work on collaborative projects and competitions to practice and improve your problem-solving abilities.

  • Project Management
  • Research
  • Operating Systems
  • User Interface (UI) Software
  • Graphic & Photo Software
  • Technical Writing
  • Web Development
  • Project Management
    • Clubs and Organizations: Join student clubs and organizations to participate in projects that require project management skills.
    • Software (Basecamp, Monday): Learn to use project management software like Basecamp and Monday through online tutorials and classes available on Udemy, LinkedIn Learning and Coursera.
    • Internships and Jobs: Gain practical experience by applying for internships, jobs, and lab projects that involve project management responsibilities.
  • Research
    • Understand Reliable Sources: Take WRT 105: Reasoning and Writing in the College to learn how to identify and use reliable sources.
    • Work with Data: Enroll in STT 211: Statistics for Social Sciences to gain a foundational understanding of statistics and methodologies.
    • Practice Report Writing: Use your academic projects to practice writing and summarizing reports and seek feedback from professors.
    • Labs: Utilize the Office of Undergraduate Research to search for research-related opportunities and potentially join labs.
  • Operating Systems
  • User Interface (UI) Software
    • Adobe XD: Enroll in courses offered by the University’s IT Services or online platforms like LinkedIn Learning to master Adobe XD.
    • Figma: Practice utilizing Figma to create team-oriented web-based design-related products. 
    • Online Tutorials and Classes: Utilize online tutorials and classes to learn various UI software tools.
  • Graphic & Photo Software
    • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator): Visit Adobe Learn for dozens of FREE tutorials to help you master the Adobe Creative Suite.
    • Canva: Test out Canva for creating engaging presentations, posters, and various other marketing materials.
    • Figma: Practice utilizing Figma to create team-oriented web-based design-related products.
    • Rochester Design Club: Participate in workshops and projects organized by the Rochester Design Club to gain hands-on experience with graphical software.
  • Technical Writing
    • Courses and Workshops: Participate in the Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program to improve your writing skills.
    • Library Resources: Utilize the University’s Library resources to access guides and materials on technical writing.
    • Internships and Projects: Engage in internships and projects that require technical writing to gain hands-on experience.
  • Web Development
    • Website Platforms (Squarespace, Wix, WordPress): Enroll in online courses on LinkedIn Learning and Coursera to learn how to build websites using platforms like Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress.
    • Programming Languages (JavaScript & Python): Take CSC 170: Introduction to Web Development to learn the basics of web development, including JavaScript and Python.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Attention to Detail
  • Organization
  • Collaboration and Teamwork
    • Class Projects and Student Organizations: Engage in group projects in your classes to practice active listening, delegation, and other team-related skills. 
    • Athletics and Intramurals: Participate in team sports or intramurals to practice collaboration in diverse settings. 
    • New Clubs: Try out a new club every year to experience different team dynamics and broaden your collaborative skills. 
  • Communication
  • Attention to Detail
    • Review and Learn from Feedback: Actively seek and review feedback on your work to improve attention to detail (academic & personal).   
    • Focus-Friendly Environments: Work in environments that minimize distractions to enhance your focus and attention to detail. Utilize UR Library spaces and The Learning Center for quieter atmospheres. 
  • Organization
    • Time Management Strategies: Utilize resources from the Greene Center for workshops and tips to help identify time management and prioritization strategies. 
    • Class Projects and Internships: Engage in class projects and internships to practice and improve your organizational skills.
    • Leadership Positions: Seek leadership positions in student organizations to develop and refine your organizational abilities.

  • Publishing Software
  • Video Production Software
  • Social Media Platforms
  • Web Development
  • Word Processing
  • Publishing Software
    • Adobe InDesign: Utilize Adobe InDesign for creating professional layouts. Access tutorials and resources through Adobe’s Learn & Support center as well as LinkedIn Learning
    • Canva: Test out Canva for creating engaging presentations, posters, and various other marketing materials. 
    • English Council: Join the Undergraduate English Council to participate in projects and workshops that involve publishing software.
  • Video Production Software
    • Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere, After Effects, Audition): Take advantage of Adobe Learn for dozens of FREE tutorials to help you master the Adobe Creative Suite. 
    • Apple Final Cut Pro: Enroll in specialized courses on Udemy to gain proficiency in Apple Final Cut Pro. 
    • Avid & DaVinci: Learn popular Hollywood editing platforms like Avid Media Composer and DaVinci Resolve through online courses available on platforms like Udemy
    • Video Studio: Take advantage of the Rettner Hall Video Studio, where you can access camera, recording, and audio equipment, as well as software like the Adobe Creative Suite and Apple Final Cut Pro.  
    • Undergraduate Film Council: Join the Undergraduate Film Council to participate in film projects and workshops that provide hands-on experience with video production software.
  • Social Media Platforms
    • Stay Current on Trends: Follow industry leaders and influencers on platforms like LinkedInX (formerly Twitter), and Instagram to stay updated on the latest trends. 
    • Training Programs: Participate in Greene Center workshops and events to enhance your social media skills. 
  • Web Development
    • Website Platforms (Squarespace, Wix, WordPress): Enroll in online courses on LinkedIn Learning and Coursera to learn how to build websites using platforms like Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress.
    • Programming Languages (JavaScript & Python): Take CSC 170: Introduction to Web Development to learn the basics of web development, including JavaScript and Python.
  • Word Processing
    • Microsoft Word: Take advantage of the workshops offered by Coursera and LinkedIn Learning on beginner, intermediate, and advanced Word training sessions.
    • Apple Pages: Access online tutorials and classes to become proficient in Apple Pages.
    • Google Docs: Utilize online tutorials and resources available through Google to master this platform.
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Communication
  • Reading Comprehension
    • Book Club or Reading Group: Join a book club or reading group to practice and improve your reading comprehension skills. 
    • Library Programs: Look for specific programs through the University’s Libraries that focus on reading comprehension and analysis. 
    • Tutoring: Seek tutoring opportunities through The Learning Center to refine your reading comprehension skills and receive feedback. 
  • Writing
    • Writing and Speaking Program: Participate in the University’s Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program to improve your writing skills.
    • Writing Group: Join a writing group and/or utilize The Learning Center to practice and receive feedback on your writing.
    • Constructive Feedback: Identify someone (family, friend, alumni) to share constructive feedback with you to help improve your writing.
  • Active Listening
    • Practice Active Listening: When you talk to people, practice the five behaviors of active listening: pay full attention, ask clarifying questions, summarize what you’re hearing, avoid interrupting, and provide feedback. 
    • Workshops and Seminars: Attend workshops and seminars on effective communication and active listening offered by the Greene Center
    • Group Projects: Engage in group projects and collaborative activities to practice and improve your active listening skills. 
  • Critical Thinking
    • Class Participation: Actively participate in your classes, clubs, and student organizations to develop critical thinking skills.
    • Read with Reflection: Read academic and professional materials with a reflective mindset to enhance your critical thinking.
    • Multiple Perspectives: Challenge yourself to consider multiple perspectives in discussions and projects to broaden your critical thinking abilities. This includes working with people who have different backgrounds and beliefs than you.
    • Escape Rooms and Team-Based Activities: Improve observation skills and critical thinking by participating in escape rooms or other team-based activities.
  • Communication

  • Social Media Platforms
  • Editing
  • Graphic & Photo Software
  • Writing
  • Social Media Platforms
    • Stay Current on Trends: Follow industry leaders and influencers on platforms like LinkedInX (formerly Twitter), and Instagram to stay updated on the latest trends. 
    • Training Programs: Participate in Greene Center workshops and events to enhance your social media skills. 
  • Editing
    • Word Processing Software (Microsoft Word, Apple iPages, Google Docs): Take advantage of the workshops offered by Coursera and LinkedIn Learning on beginner, intermediate, and advanced Word training sessions. You can also utilize support pages from Apple, Google, and Microsoft for further assistance.
    • Grammar Software (Grammarly, Hemingway): Use grammar software like Grammarly and Hemingway to improve your editing skills.
    • Style Guides: Refer to style guides such as the AP Stylebook or Chicago Manual of Style to ensure consistency and accuracy in your editing.
  • Graphic & Photo Software
    • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator): Visit Adobe Learn for dozens of FREE tutorials to help you master the Adobe Creative Suite. 
    • Canva: Test out Canva for creating engaging presentations, posters, and various other marketing materials. 
    • Figma: Practice utilizing Figma to create team-oriented web-based design-related products.  
    • Rochester Design Club: Participate in workshops and projects organized by the Rochester Design Club to gain hands-on experience with graphical software. 
  • Writing
    • Writing and Speaking Program: Participate in the University’s Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program to improve your writing skills.
    • Writing Group: Join a writing group and/or utilize The Learning Center to practice and receive feedback on your writing.
    • Constructive Feedback: Identify someone (family, friend, alumni) to share constructive feedback with you to help improve your writing.
  • Communication
  • Collaboration and Teamwork
  • Writing
  • Graphic & Photo Software
  • Responsiveness
  • Communication
  • Collaboration and Teamwork
    • Class Projects and Student Organizations: Engage in group projects in your classes to practice active listening, delegation, and other team-related skills. 
    • Athletics and Intramurals: Participate in team sports or intramurals to practice collaboration in diverse settings. 
    • New Clubs: Try out a new club every year to experience different team dynamics and broaden your collaborative skills. 
  • Writing
    • Writing and Speaking Program: Participate in the University’s Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program to improve your writing skills.
    • Writing Group: Join a writing group and/or utilize The Learning Center to practice and receive feedback on your writing.
    • Constructive Feedback: Identify someone (family, friend, alumni) to share constructive feedback with you to help improve your writing.
  • Graphic & Photo Software
    • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator): Visit Adobe Learn for dozens of FREE tutorials to help you master the Adobe Creative Suite. 
    • Canva: Test out Canva for creating engaging presentations, posters, and various other marketing materials. 
    • Figma: Practice utilizing Figma to create team-oriented web-based design-related products.  
    • Rochester Design Club: Participate in workshops and projects organized by the Rochester Design Club to gain hands-on experience with graphical software. 
  • Responsiveness
    • Be Proactive: Develop a proactive approach to tasks and responsibilities rather than just reacting to situations.
    • Timeliness and Time Management: Develop a method of response and practice time management to ensure timely completion of tasks.
    • Reduce Procrastination: Practice staying on task for certain periods of time without distractions to reduce procrastination.
    • Maintain Organization: Develop and maintain methods of organization to manage your workload effectively.

  • Instant Messaging Software
  • Music/Sound Editing Software
  • Spreadsheet Software
  • Video Production Software
  • Social Media Platforms
  • Instant Messaging Software
    • Slack: Use Slack for communication and collaboration through various UR channels/groups.
    • Discord: Participate in music-related Discord servers to network and collaborate with other musicians.
    • Microsoft Teams: Utilize Microsoft Teams for group projects and communication.
  • Music/Sound Editing Software
    • Adobe Audition: Visit Adobe Learn for dozens of FREE tutorials to help you master the Adobe Creative Suite. 
    • Apple Logic Pro: Take specialized courses on Udemy to gain proficiency in Apple Logic Pro.
    • Apple GarageBand: Use Apple GarageBand for basic music and sound editing projects. Access tutorials on LinkedIn Learning.
    • Rochester Producers & Music (RPM): Join RPM to participate in workshops and projects that involve music and sound editing software.
  • Spreadsheet Software
    • Microsoft Excel: Take advantage of the workshops offered by Coursera and LinkedIn Learning on beginner, intermediate, and advanced Excel training sessions. 
    • Google Sheets: Utilize online tutorials and resources available through Google to master this platform. 
    • Internships and Jobs: Apply for internships and part-time jobs that require the use of spreadsheet software to gain practical experience. 
  • Video Production Software
    • Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere, After Effects, Audition): Take advantage of Adobe Learn for dozens of FREE tutorials to help you master the Adobe Creative Suite. 
    • Apple Final Cut Pro: Enroll in specialized courses on Udemy to gain proficiency in Apple Final Cut Pro. 
    • Avid & DaVinci: Learn popular Hollywood editing platforms like Avid Media Composer and DaVinci Resolve through online courses available on platforms like Udemy
    • Video Studio: Take advantage of the Rettner Hall Video Studio, where you can access camera, recording, and audio equipment, as well as software like the Adobe Creative Suite and Apple Final Cut Pro.  
    • Undergraduate Film Council: Join the Undergraduate Film Council to participate in film projects and workshops that provide hands-on experience with video production software.
  • Social Media Platforms
    • Stay Current on Trends: Follow industry leaders and influencers on platforms like LinkedInX (formerly Twitter), and Instagram to stay updated on the latest trends. 
    • Training Programs: Participate in Greene Center workshops and events to enhance your social media skills. 
  • Communication
  • Active Listening
  • Self-reflection
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Communication
  • Active Listening
    • Practice Active Listening: When you talk to people, practice the five behaviors of active listening: pay full attention, ask clarifying questions, summarize what you’re hearing, avoid interrupting, and provide feedback. 
    • Workshops and Seminars: Attend workshops and seminars on effective communication and active listening offered by the Greene Center
    • Group Projects: Engage in group projects and collaborative activities to practice and improve your active listening skills. 
  • Self-reflection
    • Journaling: Practice self-reflection through journaling to identify strengths and areas of improvement.
    • After Performances: After performances, take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved.
    • Constructive Feedback: Seek constructive feedback from peers and mentors to gain insights into your performance and areas for growth.
    • Record Yourself: Record your performances and practice sessions to review and reflect on your progress.
  • Reading Comprehension
    • Book Club or Reading Group: Join a book club or reading group to practice and improve your reading comprehension skills. 
    • Library Programs: Look for specific programs through the University’s Libraries that focus on reading comprehension and analysis. 
    • Tutoring: Seek tutoring opportunities through The Learning Center to refine your reading comprehension skills and receive feedback. 
  • Social Perceptiveness
    • Multiple Perspectives: Challenge yourself to consider multiple perspectives in discussions and projects to enhance your social perceptiveness.
    • Stay Current with News and Trends: Stay current with local and national news and industry-related trends to understand the social context of your work.
    • Engage with the Community: Participate in community events and activities to develop a better understanding of social dynamics and cultural contexts.

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Phone
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Address

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500 Wilson Blvd
Rochester, NY 14627

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