Career Readiness Skills
Build the Skills Employers Value
Success after graduation starts with developing the skills employers seek in today's workforce. Throughout your time in CHESS, you'll have opportunities to strengthen these skills through coursework, internships, research, creative activities, student organizations, service learning, and other hands-on experiences.
Use these skills as a guide to reflect on your strengths and identify areas for growth. Meet with your academic advisor or faculty mentor to discuss ways to continue building these skills throughout your academic journey. Each action below is an example of how you can demonstrate that specific skill.
Skills in Action
Adaptability—Revise a lesson, research plan, or project approach when feedback, needs, or expectations change.
Career and Self-Development—Use internships, practice, research, or service experiences to explore and refine career interests.
Communication—Explain ideas clearly and adapt communication for learners, collaborators, clients, or community partners.
Critical Thinking—Analyze information from multiple sources to make informed decisions about a problem, project, or practice.
Leadership—Take initiative to improve a classroom, project, organization, or community effort.
Professionalism—Meet deadlines, follow through on commitments, and act ethically in academic, practicum, and professional settings.
Teamwork—Collaborate with peers, educators, researchers, or community partners to achieve a shared goal.
Technology—Use appropriate digital tools to research, create, communicate, or improve a project or practice.
Learn More
The ISU Career Center provides detailed information about each career readiness skills identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), including, including descriptions and examples of the knowledge, experiences, and actions students can take to develop these skills within each of our schools.