Are You Career Ready?

Employers look for more than technical knowledge and academic success. They want graduates who can demonstrate the skills needed to thrive in today's workplace.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified eight career readiness competencies that employers consistently seek across industries and professions.

Developing these skills can help you become a stronger job candidate, succeed in internships and employment opportunities, and build a foundation for lifelong career growth.

Take time to reflect on your experiences and discover how career ready you are.

The Eight Career Readiness Competencies

1. Career & Self-Development

Managing your personal and professional growth by understanding your strengths and navigating opportunities.

Sample behaviors:

• Develop a clear plan and specific goals for your future career.
• Create and practice an elevator pitch to introduce yourself to professionals.
• Seek out summer jobs, internships or volunteer opportunities in fields that interest you.
• Demonstrate awareness of your strengths and areas for growth.

2. Communication

Clearly sharing ideas and information through speech, writing and body language.

Sample behaviors:

• Proofread assignments and emails to ensure they are professional and error-free.
• Ask clarifying questions to confirm understanding during class or at work.
• Deliver organized presentations for a class or student organization.
• Practice active listening to understand the perspectives of others.

3. Critical Thinking

Using logic and context to solve problems and make decisions.

Sample behaviors:

• Brainstorm potential solutions before asking a professor or supervisor for help.
• Gather information from various sources to better understand a complex issue.
• Develop a step-by-step plan to complete a challenging task.
• Prioritize daily tasks based on urgency and importance.

4. Equity & Inclusion

Demonstrating the awareness and skills required to engage equitably with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Sample behaviors:

• Attend campus events featuring perspectives or cultures different from your own.
• Engage in respectful conversations with individuals who hold different viewpoints.
• Keep an open mind when presented with diverse ideas and new ways of thinking.
• Seek feedback from multiple perspectives to support inclusive decision-making.

5. Leadership

Recognizing personal and team strengths to achieve shared goals while motivating others.

Sample behaviors:

• Take on a leadership role in a campus club, project group or workplace.
• Motivate classmates or co-workers by maintaining a positive attitude and encouraging others.
• Plan and manage a project from start to finish.
• Demonstrate initiative by taking on additional responsibilities without being asked.

6. Professionalism

Demonstrating effective work habits, accountability and integrity in the workplace and community.

Sample behaviors:

• Use a planner or digital calendar to track deadlines and stay organized.
• Review your social media presence from the perspective of a potential employer.
• Take responsibility for mistakes and use them as opportunities to learn.
• Consistently arrive on time and prepared for class or work.

7. Teamwork

Building collaborative relationships and managing conflict to work effectively toward common goals.

Sample behaviors:

• Collaborate on class projects where responsibilities are shared equitably.
• Navigate differing viewpoints with respect and resilience.
• Take responsibility for assigned tasks within a group setting.
• Use your strengths to support the team while respecting different personalities and perspectives.

8. Technology

Using digital tools and emerging technologies responsibly to complete tasks and improve efficiency.

Sample behaviors:

• Identify the most appropriate software or tool for a task or project.
• Take a class or workshop to learn software used in your intended career.
• Incorporate new technologies, such as presentation apps or data analysis tools, into class projects.
• Stay open to learning and adapting to emerging technologies.