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 ThinkingExercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. Strategies to further develop these skills include:
|
|
CommunicationArticulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms. Strategies to further develop these skills include:
|
|
LeadershipLeverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others. Strategies to further develop these skills include:
|
|
ProfessionalismDemonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, responsibility, time, and workload management. Strategies to further develop these skills include:
|
|
TeamworkBuild collaborative relationships with others, work within a team structure, and manage interpersonal conflict. Strategies to further develop these skills include:
|
|
TechnologyLeverage existing digital technology and adapt to emerging technologies to accomplish tasks. Strategies to further develop these skills include:
|
|
Career ManagementIdentify and articulate your skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to desired positions and career goals. Strategies to further develop these skills include:
|
|
Intercultural FluencyDemonstrate openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand differences. Strategies to further develop these skills include:
|