Are you career-ready?

Though valued by employers, a college degree in and of itself does not automatically lead to a good job. Employers want assurance that you can help them solve problems and reach their goals. They want to know that you have developed and demonstrated competencies considered essential in the workplace.

Based on extensive research among employers, the National Association of Colleges and Employers identified and defined eight competencies that determine career-readiness.

Career-Readiness Competencies

Career and Self-Development
Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.
Communication
Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.
Critical Thinking
Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.
Equity and Inclusion
Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures. Engage in anti-racist practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism.
Leadership
Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.
Professionalism
Understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
Teamwork
Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.
Technology
Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.

Which of the eight competencies have you demonstrated? If you need help thinking about this, list the different roles you’ve had (volunteer, student organization member, athlete, employee, etc.). For each, list problems you’ve solved, decisions you’ve had to make, group activities in which you’ve actively participated, and ways you’ve communicated to individuals and groups. Which competencies do you need to develop or strengthen?

Career-readiness competencies can be developed through part-time jobs, volunteer activities, campus involvement, academic projects, internships, cooperative education, and studying abroad. To learn more about experiential learning opportunities and developing career-readiness competencies, schedule an appointment with a Career Consultant through Handshake.

Career-Readiness Competencies Discussions

Career Center staff and student workers are joined by guests to discuss some of the Career Competencies in the videos below.

Digital Technology

Global/Intercultural Fluency

Career Management