Center for Experiential Learning and Innovation

Broaden Your Horizons

In the context of college student career development and student success, Broaden Your Horizons refers to expanding one’s perspectives, experiences, and skills beyond their immediate academic or career focus and current understanding or comfort zone. This can involve exploring new academic disciplines, engaging in diverse extracurricular activities, seeking out internships and job opportunities, and developing a global perspective through study abroad programs or multicultural interactions. This approach aims to prepare students for a diverse and evolving job market, enhance their personal growth, and increase their adaptability and resilience. It involves the following elements, working to uphold the NACE Competencies.

1. Exposure to Diverse Fields and Disciplines: Encouraging students to explore courses
   and activities outside their major to gain a well-rounded education.
   1. Examples: Joining On-campus groups and organizations, attending workshops held by support services and programs,
2.  Experiential Learning Opportunities: Participating in internships, co-ops, study abroad
   programs, and service-learning projects to gain practical experience and global
   awareness.
   1. Examples: On-campus Jobs, Internships, Shadowing Programs within the
      Community
3. Networking and Mentorship: Building relationships with professionals, alumni, and
   peers in various industries to gain insights and advice.
   1. Examples: Mentorship programs, On campus groups and organizations, college and departmental events or programs, online networking programs
4. Skill Development: Fostering both hard and soft skills, such as critical thinking,
   communication, and problem-solving, that are valuable in any career.
   1. Examples: Recognizing and taking stock of skills and competencies gained in
      class, co-curricular programs, internships, and jobs
5. Cultural Competency: Learning to understand and appreciate cultural differences,
   which is crucial in today’s global workforce.
   
   1. Examples: Engaging in cultural events, internships outside of your “local” area,
      study or working abroad, culturally diverse courses
6. Career Exploration: Investigating multiple career paths and industries to find the best fit
   for their interests and strengths.
   
   1. Examples: Discovering the multiple pathways of your major, engaging with your
      Success Team, exploring the non-linear path to your occupational goal

 

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSU Monterey Bay provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. CSU Monterey Bay complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Images were created using Adobe Firefly.