Building Your Career Readiness: Skills That Set You Apart
Discover how developing career readiness competencies, both in and out of the classroom, can help you build skills, gain confidence, and prepare for your future career.
When it comes to preparing for life after college, knowing what employers are looking for can give you a serious edge. That’s where career readiness comes in. Career readiness is all about developing the core skills and behaviors that help you succeed not just in your first job, but throughout your entire career. In fact, it’s often described as the “new career currency” - a foundation that helps you stand out in a competitive job market.
At Parkland Career Services, we’ve aligned our approach to career readiness with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), which outlines eight key competencies that employers across industries consistently value:
- Career & Self-Development
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Equity & Inclusion
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Technology
These competencies aren’t tied to any one major or career path; they’re universal. And the good news is, you’re likely developing them already in more ways than you realize. While some skills may be built directly through your coursework, many are also shaped through part-time jobs, internships, volunteering, student organizations, and even group projects or class presentations, regardless of your major. For example, working a customer service job can strengthen your communication and professionalism, while leading a club or organizing an event can help you grow as a leader and team player.
To help you intentionally build and reflect on these competencies, Career Services has curated a series of LinkedIn Learning modules - free to all Parkland students and staff - that align with each of the eight competency areas. These short, on-demand video courses are a great way to build your skills on your own schedule. For example, you can explore “Planning Your Career and Your Life” to reflect on your goals, or “Business Etiquette for the Modern Workplace” to sharpen your professionalism.
Career Services is also here to help you take the next step: identifying your strengths, recognizing areas for growth, and learning how to talk about your skills in ways that resonate with employers. We can help you develop your personal language for describing your experiences: this is useful for a résumé, a cover letter, a job interview, or your personal brand elevator pitch. Understanding how your experiences connect to these competencies can boost your confidence and help you tell a compelling story about who you are and what you bring to the table. If you’re still trying to figure out how all of your interests and aptitudes come together to shape your career path, take a career assessment to get started.
Career readiness isn’t something you check off a list. It’s something you build over time. And no matter where you are in your college journey, it’s never too early (or too late) to start. Let us help you make the most of your experiences and prepare for a future full of possibilities.