Career and Self-Development

NACE ICON
Career Readiness Competency - Career and Self-Development

Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.

SAMPLE BEHAVIORS

  • Show an awareness of own strengths and areas for development.
  • Identify areas for continual growth while pursuing and applying feedback.
  • Develop plans and goals for one’s future career.
  • Professionally advocate for oneself and others.
  • Display curiosity; seek out opportunities to learn.
  • Assume duties or positions that will help one progress professionally.
  • Establish, maintain, and/or leverage relationships with people who can help one professionally.
  • Seek and embrace development opportunities.
  • Voluntarily participate in further education, training, or other events to support one’s career.

Engage in Career & Self-Development Activites

  • Meet with a Career Advisor in Career Services 
  • Take a Career Assessment
  • Earn a Micro-Credential
  • Examine Workforce Trends
  • Job Shadow                                    
  • Attend Career Path Discussions
  • Schedule Informational Interviews
  • Particpate in Career, Alumni & Industry Panels, Career Fairs, and Workshops                    
Competencies, Career Search
  • Apply research skills in searching for a job.
  • Develop job hunting document such as a cover letter and resume.
  • Apply effective speaking an listening skills used in a job interview.
  • Model the “professional” skills required to hold a job – punctuality, courtesy, personal initiative, professionalism – in the process of search and interviewing for a job.
Competencies, Career Retention and Advancement
  • Develop personal attitudes and work habits that support career retention and advancement.
  • Develop and practice team member skills such as active listening, conflict resolution, and time management. 
  • Develop a personal budget based on personal career choice.
  • Consider and develop strategies for career retention and advancement based on the job availability in different fields.
  • Evaluate the need for ongoing, life-long learning to support career retention and advancement.
  • Identify and evaluate the quality and economic value of programs offered by postsecondary education and training institutions, in both on-site and online learning platforms, to access additional learning to promote career advancement.
Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, National Center for Career Transitions