Career Readiness Skills
Build the Skills Employers Value
Success after graduation starts with developing the skills employers seek in today's workforce. Throughout your time in CHESS, you'll have opportunities to strengthen these career readiness competencies through coursework, internships, research, creative activities, student organizations, service learning, and other hands-on experiences.
Use these competencies as a guide to reflect on your strengths and identify areas for growth. Meet with your academic advisor or faculty mentor to discuss ways to continue building these skills throughout your academic journey.
Career Readiness Competencies
Adaptability—Develop the ability to adjust one’s behavior, mindset, and approach in response to changing circumstances while maintaining productivity and effectiveness.
Career and Self-Development—Advance your career through continuous learning, self-awareness, exploring opportunities, and networking.
Communication—Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with people inside and outside an organization.
Critical Thinking—Identify and respond to needs based on an understanding of situational context and a logical analysis of relevant information.
Leadership—Recognize and use personal and team strengths to achieve shared goals and support positive outcomes.
Professionalism—Exhibit strong work habits, adapt to different organizational environments, and act in the best interest of the workplace and community.
Teamwork—Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.
Technology—Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
Learn More
The ISU Career Center provides detailed descriptions of each competency and examples of career readiness behaviors to help you continue developing these skills throughout your college experience.