What is Career Readiness?
Following through on goals and tasks rarely comes naturally. Learning and practicing responsibility help students set meaningful goals and understand the steps needed to achieve them.
Personal responsibility can be as simple as cleaning their room, submitting assignments on time, or following through on commitments -- like watering a friend's plants when asked.
Developing strong personal responsibility is essential for college, career, and life success. As students build responsible habits and see the benefits, they gain confidence to take on bigger challenges.
For Example: Turning in assignments on time can lead to better grades, which may open doors to scholarships or job opportunities. Being reliable and completing tasks well in the workplace can lead to promotions, higher pay, and better career options.
We call that sense of responsibility "career readiness."
Competencies
View a detailed printable list of the competencies with examples and sample behaviors that you can share with your student. Established in 1956, NACE, the National Association of Colleges and Employers, is a respected organization that has dedicated much research to this subject, and this is an excellent resource!
According to industry leaders, career readiness is best understood as a set of skills or competencies that students must master in order to succeed in the workplace.
Competencies include:
- Career and self-development: Continuously learn and develop one's career.
- Communication: Use oral and written communication skills.
- Critical thinking: Use reasoning and judgment to solve problems and make decisions.
- Equity and inclusion: Engage with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Leadership: Take on leadership roles.
- Professionalism: Demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior.
- Teamwork: Work well with others.
- Technology: Use digital literacy skills.
Career Development Center
The Career Development Center meets with students individually to discuss career readiness and encourage them to develop these skills within themselves.
You can encourage your student to think about their current level of "readiness" and ask them what steps to take. When they determine that there are areas for improvement, encourage them to set up an appointment with the Career Development Center. We are excited and prepared to offer guidance, experience, and new ideas that can help your student reach their full potential.
After all, if the perfect opportunity were to drop in their lap today, would they be ready?
- Would they be proud of their resume and cover letter?
- Does their online presence (LinkedIn and Handshake profile) represent them well?
- Are they comfortable interviewing/speaking about their experiences?
- If hired, do they have the "tools" (career competencies) they need to succeed?
If the answer to any of these is no, then we are more than happy to provide them with the resources they need to solidify those areas.
Encourage your student to book an appointment with the Career Development Center today!
Contact Career Development Center
- Keyword: Career advising
- Email: careerdevelopment@sxu.edu