(ThyBlackMan.com) Teaching educational technology at Edward Waters College provides great joy and purpose that combines teaching as an elementary school teacher in public education with my teaching in higher education.
I enjoy having the best of both worlds, helping to prepare elementary students for life after elementary school and helping college students prepare for the working world outside of higher education and other events that prepare students for “real life. “HBCU students are already using tech, but must learn to apply it to the most effective use to Brand their SWAG and get employed before graduation.
The competitiveness of the global business markets, business environments, international trade that is increased demand for those with specific skills and higher degree levels has created a demand for students to be adaptable in their ability to work in any environment, flexible in their duties and responsibilities as “Human Capital,” and possess higher order and critical thinking skills that allow for problem solving skills to grow.
The skills that HBCU students learn should allow them to be able to compete with students that attended PWI’s. The must haves must be gained while HBCU students are preparing for the days after graduation and beginning of careers dreams. HBCU students cannot wait until their senior year to prepare for graduation, it must be an ongoing process and planned beginning in their freshman year.
27 Must Haves for HBCU Students
1. Have a Resume / Vitae created in multiple formats to provide for potential employers. Copies should be online, on a flash drive and on a laptop or tablet and even a couple hard copies for those unique opportunities on the train or bus.
2. Have an email with GMail with a valid email address and a professional looking email signature. Check it on a regular basis and respond to inquiries quickly. When you receive business cards or 
make contact send an email that you were glad to meet that person. Even digitally you can make an impression.
3. Have a Skype account that you can use for online interviews. If you’re willing to relocate employers may want a Skype interview to get to see you and meet.
4. Have a list of mentors to ask questions. Every college student needs a mentor to bounce ideas off of. They provide a perspective on the world and careers. Mentors can be online contacts as well, digital connections can be just as successful.
5. Have a list of references with email addresses, phone numbers, that are legally employed, no criminal histories, and have a good academic and professional backgrounds. Who you know still
matters, when seeking references make sure you ask the person first to be sure they are in agreement.
6. Know your GPA weighted and un-weighted. During interviews this question may come up, hesitations and “I don’t remember,” shows lack of academic knowledge.
7. Taken or plan to take assessments to know your cognitive and intellectual strengths and weaknesses. Build your confidence to take tests. Don’t be intimidated because what you think you’re being tested on may not actually be what you’re tested on.
8. Have a library card, museum membership to show involvement in the community. This also encourages you to participate in networking events to meet people and gain new contacts to
build your PLC or Professional Learning Community
9. Volunteer time with your ministry, not for profits and other groups to understand where you can fit in to contribute to your community. The best way to gain quiet exposure is to volunteer
your time.
10. Have a documented history of community service. Keeping records allows you to see overtime your contributions to your community and to share this information. It also helps with memory and meeting people.
11. Have positive Social Media content. When people research you online they are hoping to see good content. You never know when an opportunity comes available when someone remembers you from an event and wants to match your skill set with a project.
12. Attend conferences, workshops, seminars, etc. HBCU students must be involved in these to learn more, increase their knowledge and share their knowledge. These are awesome ways to find a mentor, network and even future employment.
13. Have a list of accomplishments, honors and achievements with dates.
14. Have a valid driver’s license even if you’re not driving, the company may be willing to give you a car until you’re on your feet.
15. Have an open bank account with checking and savings even if you have $5.00, you will need this for direct deposits.
16. Check your credit history to check against errors and identity theft. More companies are checking credit histories so be careful what is on your history. Monitor it because it can influence salary and benefits.
17. Have a mission and vision statement for life goals and accomplishments.
18. Know how to travel within your city, know where the library is, City Hall, Social Security Office, Police Department, and other major points of interest.
19. Know how to use your phones GPS to help you navigate if walking or riding your bike.
20. Start watching the news to keep up with local and current events and the weather. Someone may try to start a conversation.
21. Talk to your parents, family and even church to see where your help will come from if you need help and assistance. Successful people will tell you that you should not think you can do everything
on your own, you will need help.
22. Have a copy of your Social Security Card, Birth Certificate and drives license.
23. Access to loose change and small amounts of cash always.
24. Cell phone numbers to: Taxi Service, Bus Station, Police Department (not 911), a teacher, mentor and your minister, evangelist, priest, etc. Prayer does work.
25. A debit card or credit card for emergencies, and maybe invest in a gift card to use for transportation only and one for food only to help manage your finances.
26. Checks from your bank (to help you start your direct deposit when hired for a job).
27. Have a Paypal account to register for events and activities.
There are a lot of considerations, but for HBCU students to be successful they must adapt to the business and educational environment to reach their goals.
Resources:
Did You Know? Human Capital
2009 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzCQ219bxl8
The Shift In Technology Changes Everything
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMB77eJPYs8
Social Media Affecting Teens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QWoP6jJG3k
Did You Know 2014
https://youtu.be/XrJjfDUzD7M
Our Workforce Is Changing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XIQkDldpmI
Social Media
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7UcQZCX_LE
Staff Writer; William D. Jackson
Find out more about this talented writer over at; OCS For Education.
