Career Readiness Skill of the Month: Communication

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) states that communication means to clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization. Every conversation, class presentation, and group project is a chance to strengthen those skills. When you can express your ideas clearly and connect with others, you’ll stand out as a confident, capable professional ready to take on new opportunities. Employers value clear communicators who can share ideas, solve problems, and build positive relationships.

Sample Behaviors are clear, visible actions or examples that show you’ve developed a particular skill or competency. For Communication, you need to…

• Understand the importance of and demonstrate verbal, written, and non-verbal/body language abilities.
• Employ active listening, persuasion, and influencing skills.
• Communicate in a clear and organized manner so that others can effectively understand.
• Frame communication with respect to the diversity of learning styles, varied individual communication abilities, and cultural differences.
• Ask appropriate questions for specific information from supervisors, specialists, and others.
• Promptly inform relevant others when needing guidance with assigned tasks.

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.