Career Readiness Skill of the Month: Adaptability

The Idaho Department of Education says students need to develop the ability to adjust their behavior, mindset, and approach to changing circumstances while staying productive and effective.​ College gives you many chances to practice adjusting: a difficult class, a changed work schedule, a new group project, or an unexpected setback. The goal is not to have every answer immediately; it is to stay open, learn, and change your approach when needed. You stay open to new information, shift strategies when needed, and apply what you learn across situations. When asked, employers list adaptability among the top five skills they value when reviewing applicants.​

How to develop these skills while still in college:

• Try a new strategy when something isn’t working.

Change how you study, organize assignments, or approach a project; evaluate the results and keep what helps.

• Practice adjusting your plans when circumstances change.

When a deadline, work schedule, or group assignment changes, update your priorities and communicate your revised plan to others.

• Take on an unfamiliar role once each semester.

Try a new responsibility in a class project, campus job, or student organization; ask for feedback and apply what you learn.

Schedule an appointment through your Handshake account with a Career Counselor to discuss how to make the most of your time at Idaho State University and help you meet your goals.