Are you feeling lost in your career journey? Do you have no idea what employers are looking for in a candidate? Fear not, my friend. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified eight career readiness competencies that employers value in job candidates. And the best part? You don't need to be in the classroom to develop these competencies. You can practice and develop them in your everyday life.
First, let's get to know the eight career readiness competencies:
Now, let's dive into how we can develop these competencies in our everyday life.
We use critical thinking and problem solving skills all the time, whether it's deciding what to cook for dinner or figuring out the best route to take to avoid traffic. To develop this competency further, challenge yourself to solve puzzles or riddles, read books that require you to think deeply, or engage in debates with friends. Another way to build this competency is to take on a hobby or activity that requires problem-solving, like woodworking or learning a new programming language.
Communication skills are essential in every aspect of life. To improve your oral and written communication skills, practice active listening by paying attention to the speaker and asking questions to clarify what they mean. Join a public speaking group or debate club to practice expressing your thoughts and ideas clearly and persuasively. Writing a blog, starting a podcast, or writing in a journal are all great ways to develop your writing skills and express your thoughts in written form.
Teamwork makes the dream work, am I right? To develop this competency, seek out group projects or volunteer opportunities that require you to work with others. For example, you could join a sports team, volunteer at a community garden, or participate in a group project at work. Remember that in any group situation, it's important to communicate effectively and respect others' perspectives. Reflect on your experiences working with others and think about what you could do differently to improve your teamwork skills.
In today's digital age, having digital technology skills is crucial. To develop this competency, challenge yourself to learn new software or apps, take online courses, or participate in webinars and virtual conferences. For example, you could take a course on Excel or learn how to use a new graphic design tool. Additionally, use technology to stay organized and improve your productivity, such as using a project management app or a note-taking app.
Leadership doesn't always mean being the boss. It means being a role model, taking initiative, and inspiring others. To develop this competency, seek out opportunities to lead a group or project, mentor others, or volunteer for a leadership position in your community. For example, you could lead a project at work or volunteer to lead a fundraising campaign for a local charity. Reflect on your experiences in leadership roles and think about what you could do differently to improve your leadership skills.
Professionalism and work ethic are important in any job, no matter the industry. To develop this competency, take ownership of your work, always strive to do your best, and be respectful to your colleagues and superiors. Make sure to always meet deadlines, be punctual, and dress appropriately for your workplace. Additionally, seek out opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge, such as taking courses or attending workshops. Reflect on your experiences in the workplace and think about what you could do differently to improve your professionalism and work ethic.
Managing your career is about setting goals, making plans, and taking action. To develop this competency, take the time to reflect on your career goals and create a plan to achieve them. Seek out career counseling or mentorship to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and develop a plan for your career. Attend networking events or join professional organizations to expand your network and learn about different career paths. Reflect on your experiences in managing your career and think about what you could do differently to improve your skills.
In today's globalized world, it's important to be able to work effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds. To develop this competency, seek out opportunities to learn about different cultures, whether it's through travel, volunteering, or taking courses. Attend cultural events or participate in language exchanges to improve your cultural understanding and language skills. Reflect on your experiences working with people from different cultures and think about what you could do differently to improve your global and intercultural fluency.
Now that we've explored how to develop these competencies in everyday life, let's talk about how they are helpful in the workplace. Employers value candidates who possess these competencies because they demonstrate that the candidate is adaptable, can work well with others, and is committed to their personal and professional growth. Here are some specific examples of how these competencies can help in the workplace:
Developing the NACE career readiness competencies is crucial for success in any career. By practicing and developing these competencies in our everyday lives, we can become more adaptable, collaborative, and committed to our personal and professional growth. And the best part? These competencies are valuable in any job, in any industry.
Remember, it's not just about developing these competencies, but also being able to effectively communicate and showcase how you have utilized these skills in your past experiences. I'm thinking that I might need to do a full write-up on how to develop the right language and feel comfortable talking about your experiences with potential employers. But for now, go ahead, practice, and prove it!