The skills employers want are already being built through your classes, internships, campus jobs, research, clubs, and experiences. The key is learning how to recognize them, and how to talk about them.
When students think about preparing for a career, they often focus on choosing a major, finding an internship, or landing a first job. But employers are looking for something broader: career readiness.
Career readiness is a framework developed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) that identifies eight competencies employers consistently seek in candidates across industries and professions. These competencies help students navigate career decisions, succeed in internships and jobs, collaborate with others, and adapt to a rapidly changing world.
The good news? You don’t have to wait until graduation to build these skills. In fact, you’re probably developing many of them already.
Here’s a closer look at the eight career readiness competencies, and how you can strengthen them through resources and opportunities available through the Experiential Learning Centers.
Career & Self-Development
Know yourself. Build your future.
Career and self-development is about understanding your strengths, identifying areas for growth, exploring opportunities, and building a network that supports your goals. Students who demonstrate this competency actively seek feedback, pursue learning opportunities, and create plans for their future careers.
Build this skill through:
- Career advising appointments
- CliftonStrengths and career assessments
- Alumni mentoring conversations
- Career exploration workshops
- Networking events and employer panels
- Informational interviews with alumni
Ask yourself: Do I know what motivates me? Can I explain my strengths and the skills I want to continue developing?
Communication
Make your ideas heard.
Whether you’re writing a cover letter, leading a group discussion, interviewing for an internship, or presenting research, communication matters. Employers value people who can clearly exchange ideas, listen actively, and adapt their communication style to different audiences.
Build this skill through:
- Résumé and cover letter reviews
- Mock interviews in Big Interview
- Presentations in class
- Student leadership roles
- Public speaking opportunities
- Writing-intensive coursework
Ask yourself: Can I explain my experiences and ideas clearly and confidently?
Critical Thinking
Solve problems, don’t just identify them.
Critical thinking involves analyzing information, evaluating options, making informed decisions, and responding effectively to challenges. Employers want people who can assess situations, identify solutions, and make thoughtful decisions.
Build this skill through:
- Self-directed projects
- Internships
- Consulting and case competitions
- Lab work
- Independent studies
- Problem-solving experiences in campus jobs
Ask yourself: When faced with a challenge, how do I gather information and decide what to do next?
Equity & Inclusion
Work effectively across differences.
Today’s workplaces bring together people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives. Career-ready professionals seek out different viewpoints, contribute to inclusive environments, and advocate for equitable practices.
Build this skill through:
- Global and intercultural experiences
- Language study
- Community engagement
- Identity-based student organizations
- Dialogue programs
- Study abroad experiences
Ask yourself: How do I seek out perspectives different from my own?
Leadership
Leadership isn’t about a title.
Leadership means motivating others, using resources effectively, and helping teams achieve shared goals. You don’t need to be president of an organization to demonstrate leadership. Employers value people who take initiative, support others, and help move projects forward.
Build this skill through:
- Student organization involvement
- Peer mentoring
- Athletic teams
- Internship projects
- Residential life positions
- Campus employment
Ask yourself: How do I contribute to helping a group succeed?
Professionalism
Show up prepared and dependable.
Professionalism includes accountability, integrity, reliability, attention to detail, and a commitment to doing quality work. These habits often make the difference between meeting expectations and exceeding them.
Build this skill through:
- Internships
- Campus jobs
- Research assistant positions
- Volunteer work
- Professional conferences
- Experiential learning opportunities
Ask yourself: Would others describe me as dependable, prepared, and trustworthy?
Teamwork
Collaboration is a career skill.
Almost every profession requires working with others. Teamwork involves listening, respecting different perspectives, managing conflict, and contributing to shared goals.
Build this skill through:
- Group projects
- Student organizations
- Athletics
- Internships
- Community-based learning
- Campus employment
Ask yourself: How do I contribute to a team’s success while supporting the contributions of others?
Technology
Adapt to the tools of today (and tomorrow).
Technology competency is about using digital tools ethically and effectively to accomplish goals. Employers increasingly seek candidates who can learn new technologies, analyze information, and use digital tools to improve efficiency.
Build this skill through:
- Digital projects
- Research and data analysis
- Internship experiences
- Learning new software platforms
- Coding and technical coursework
- AI literacy and technology workshops
Ask yourself: Am I comfortable learning and adapting to new technologies?
The Bigger Picture: Career Readiness Happens Everywhere
One of the biggest misconceptions about career preparation is that it only happens during internships or job searches.
In reality, career readiness develops through countless experiences: participating in a class discussion, leading a club meeting, conducting research, studying abroad, mentoring a peer, working a campus job, volunteering in the community, or collaborating on a team project.
The challenge isn’t whether you’re building these skills. You probably are.
The challenge is recognizing them, reflecting on them, and learning how to communicate them to employers, graduate schools, and professional networks.
That’s where the Experiential Learning Centers (ELC) can help.
Whether you’re exploring majors, searching for internships, preparing for interviews, connecting with alumni, or reflecting on experiences you’ve already had, ELC advisors can help you identify the career readiness competencies you’re developing and articulate them with confidence.
Ready to discover your strengths? Schedule an appointment with and start building your career readiness story today.
