Career Readiness Skill of the Month: Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to look beyond first impressions and make thoughtful decisions based on evidence, context, and logical reasoning. College gives you many chances to practice this skill: comparing sources for a paper, weighing options for a group project, or deciding how to respond when a plan does not go as expected. The goal is not to have the perfect answer immediately; it is to gather relevant information, consider different perspectives, and explain the reasoning behind your decision. When asked, employers list critical thinking among the top skills they value when reviewing applicants.

How to develop these skills while still in college:

• Compare information before forming a conclusion.

Use more than one source for an assignment or decision; look for evidence, check for bias, and consider how the information fits together.

• Ask “why” and “what if” questions.

When working on a class project or campus job, question assumptions, explore possible outcomes, and consider how your choice could affect others.

• Reflect on a decision after the outcome.

After completing a project or solving a problem, identify what worked, what did not, and what you would do differently next time.

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.