iv. NACE Career Readiness Competencies
Photo by University of New Orleans
No matter your major or dream job, there are core skills every employer is looking for—skills that help you thrive in any career. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified eight Career Readiness Competencies that represent what it means to be truly “career ready.” NACE Career Readiness Competencies are the gold standard for Career Services professionals to use to guide students through their career development process. They provide a background for addressing career-related goals and outcomes of curricular and extracurricular activities.
For first-year students, career readiness is important for preparing to have a successful experience entering the workforce. Following these eight career competencies can help ensure you are ready for your professional career journey.
- Career & Self Development: Continuously work on expanding your personal and professional learning, becoming aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and develop important relationships to grow your network group. Take charge of your own growth. This means identifying your strengths, working on your areas for improvement, and building relationships that support your personal and professional journey. College is the perfect time to discover who you are and where you’re headed.
- Communication: Communication is key to effectively sharing information and ideas with others. Express yourself clearly and respectfully—whether you’re writing a paper, emailing a professor, or presenting in class. Good communication helps you connect, collaborate, and succeed in any setting.
- Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze and evaluate information to solve problems is crucial in any career. Learn to ask good questions, weigh evidence, and make thoughtful decisions. Employers value people who can solve problems and think independently.
- Equity & Inclusion: Demonstrate the skills to engage and understand people from different cultures and backgrounds. Understand and appreciate different perspectives. Working effectively with people from all backgrounds isn’t just a career skill—it’s part of being a responsible global citizen.
- Leadership: Demonstrate focus on strengths to guide others towards successfully meeting organizational goals. You don’t need a title to be a leader. Leadership means motivating others, using your strengths, and helping your team or community achieve its goals.
- Professionalism: Conducting in a manner that reflects commitment to competence, integrity, and respect in the workplace setting. Show up, follow through, and treat others with respect. Being dependable and ethical builds trust—and it starts now, not just when you get your first job.
- Teamwork: Work effectively with others to reach common goals and sharing responsibilities. Most great work happens with others. Learn to contribute to group goals, listen to different opinions, and share responsibilities effectively.
- Technology: Understand and learn about technologies to progress in accomplishing goals. No matter the field, technology plays a role. Stay open to learning new tools and platforms that can help you be more efficient and innovative.
Reflect and Connect: As you read through these competencies, ask yourself: Where am I already strong? What skills would I like to grow this year? How can I practice these in and out of the classroom?
The good news? You’re probably developing these skills already. Now that you know what they are, you can be more intentional—and confident—as you prepare for the road ahead.
