Career Development Competencies

Are you Spartan Ready?

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) there are eight critical skills all employers want. Below is the full list, a description of each, and suggested steps to develop them if you haven't already. Click a competency to see additional information including how you can develop your own skills. We encourage faculty to ingrain these skills in their courses, students to actively develop them before graduation and staff to support students along the way. Here's to making sure you're Spartan Ready by graduation!

Career & Self Development

Description

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.

Methods of Development

1) Develop plans and SMART goals for your career
2) Assess your strengths weaknesses and continuously seek to improve yourself
3) Learn job search strategies from start to finish (search strategies, best web sites for your field, application, negotiation, accepting the offer, etc.)
4) Write a professional resume, customized cover letter and reference list
5) Implement networking strategies to build an intentional network, include active use of sites like LinkedIn
6) Practice interviewing with Big Interview
7) Seek out learning opportunities such as internships, research, volunteering, organization involvement, etc.
8) Explore graduate/professional school

Communication

Description

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

Methods of Development

1) Develop & deliver a presentation.
2) Ask questions in class, work, etc. to gain understanding.
3) Polish up your social media presence

Critical Thinking

Description

Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.

Methods of Development

1) Develop an action plan with specific steps to solve a problem
2) Brainstorm solutions to a problem before bringing it to a supervisor/professor
3) Activate your mind--read, do puzzles, write, etc.

Equity & Inclusion

Description

Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures. Engage in anti-racist practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism.

Methods of Development

1) Attend an event on campus that encourages you to step outside your comfort zone
2) Engage in conversation with individuals who have different perspectives than your own
3) Participate in a study abroad or volunteer experience to broaden your horizons

Leadership

Description

Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.

Methods of Development

1) Take on a leadership role in a group or organization
2) Demonstrate initiative at your job/internship by taking on additional responsibilities
3) Motivate team members with a positive attitude and leverage their strengths when delegating work

Professionalism

Description

Demonstrate responsible work habits (i.e. punctuality, accountability, workload management) while displaying integrity and ethical behavior (i.e. acknowledge and learn from mistakes)

Methods of Development

1) Learn to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
2) Learn to use a calendar like outlook to schedule blocks of work and meetings.
3) Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and set future goals for growth.

Teamwork

Description

Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.

Methods of Development

1) Collaborate with others on class projects
2) Find a study budy for classes
3) Participate in organizations of interest
4) Seek work experience in a team environment
5) Join online groups of interest on LinkedIn

Technology

Description

Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.

Methods of Development

1) Become familiar with the most relevant websites and softwares in your field(s)
2) Effectively use Excel or similar spreadsheet application to track data and generate tables and graphs.
3) Create a strong LinkedIn profile, join groups of career interest, and ask for recommendations. Connect with alumni through LinkedIn.