Career Readiness Skill of the Month: Career and Self-Development

Career readiness means developing the practical skills and abilities you need to succeed in a job and manage your career effectively long after you graduate. It’s about being prepared for real-world work situations and challenges, not just academic success. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) recommends that you explore career options, connect interests and strengths to opportunities, and refine goals through feedback and authentic experiences. This means learning about careers, assessing how your abilities align with opportunities, and using real-world experiences to shape your direction. After graduation, advance your career through continuous learning, self-awareness, exploring opportunities, and networking.

How to develop these skills while still in college:

• Run a quick strengths-and-goals check each term.

List 3 strengths and 3 growth areas at the start of the semester; ask one professor or supervisor for specific feedback by midterms; adjust your next-term goals, courses, or experiences based on what you learn.

• Take one small career-exploration action every month.

Attend a career fair, one employer info session or alumni panel, complete one 15-20 minute informational interview, or apply to one internship/research/volunteer role, even if you’re not 100% sure it’s a perfect fit.

• Keep a simple social networking list.

Maintain a one-page list of contacts (classmates, professors, supervisors, alumni, employers), how you met, and a next step; add one new contact and reach out to one existing contact each semester.

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.