Career Readiness Guide

Career readiness is the attainment and demonstration of requisite competencies that broadly prepare college graduates for a successful transition into the workplace.

What Employers Want

Employers are looking for graduates who demonstrate the skills necessary to become productive members of the workforce. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), through a task force of college career services and HR professionals, identified eight competencies associated with career readiness for new college graduates.

By focusing on developing these core competencies while pursuing your education, you can help ensure that you graduate career-ready.

Career & 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.

Strategies to develop these skills include:

Attend Major Exploration Week and Degree Discover Day events to learn more about UNO programs
Explore PathwayU self-assessments to discover your purpose and connect it to college and careers
Work with advisors to develop plans and goals for your career
Seek out opportunities to learn, volunteer, and grow
Participate in Experiential Learning opportunities for professional development

Communication

Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.

Strategies to develop this skill include:

Critical Thinking

Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems.

Strategies to further develop these skills include:

Take US 1010, Service Learning, and courses that encourage critical thinking
Listen to others to gain an understanding of multiple perspectives
Use Criss Library resources to connect with reliable sources

Communication

Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms.

Strategies to further develop these skills include:

Create a résumé and cover letter and have it reviewed by Career Services
Attend Career Services events
Take advantage of the Speech Center and Writing Center
Practice your interviewing skills with Career Services or Big Interview
Use email etiquette in your campus correspondence

Leadership

Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others.

Strategies to further develop these skills include:

Actively participate in student organizations
Attend Career Services events
Practice your leadership skills through group projects in class or at work

Professionalism

Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, responsibility, time, and workload management.

Strategies to further develop these skills include:

Build steady employment through jobs, volunteering, and internships
Understand the impact of nonverbal communication on professional image
Develop time management skills balancing school, work, family, and activities

Teamwork

Build collaborative relationships with others, work within a team structure, and manage interpersonal conflict.

Strategies to further develop these skills include:

Practice your collaboration skills through group projects in class or at work
Take the CliftonStrengths assessment to learn about your strengths
Actively participate in student organizations

Technology

Leverage existing digital technology and adapt to emerging technologies to accomplish tasks.

Strategies to further develop these skills include:

Be open to learning and seeking out new technology
Use resources available through the Creative Production Lab
Register for free Do Space programs on digital tech

Career Management

Identify and articulate your skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to desired positions and career goals.

Strategies to further develop these skills include:

Explore job opportunities at Career Fairs and in Handshake
Conduct informational interviews to learn more about careers of interest
Take the MyPlan self-assessments to explore career options
Attend Degree Discovery Day to learn more about UNO programs
Practice your interviewing skills with Career Services or Big Interview

Intercultural Fluency

Demonstrate openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand differences.

Strategies to further develop these skills include:

Participate in Omaha Table Talk, Human Library, and Sustained Dialogue
Consider Education Abroad to expand your worldview
Attend campus events to connect with others from diverse backgrounds