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Career readiness is the demonstration of specific skills that broadly prepare you for a successful transition to your next step. These skills can be developed through various experiences. These experiences also provide you with opportunities to explore your career options. Skills can be critical thinking, teamwork, professionalism and much more.
To be successful it is important to develop skills that are beneficial in all job situations. Here are a few key skills to improve on through the career development process.
Critical thinking is just deliberately and systematically processing information so that you can make better decisions and generally understand things better. Ask questions, be aware of your surroundings, and never assume anything. Critical thinking and problem solving are important to employers and society because it allows for innovation and improvement. Here are some resources to help improve on your critical thinking skills.
College info Geek– 7 ways to improve critical thinking
Top universities- How to improve your problem solving skills
It is important to be able to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms. This may include public speaking or being able to express ideas to others verbally and in writing. As a freshman you are required to take some sort of public speaking class as these skills are valuable to everyone. You will need these skills not only in the application and interview process of your career, but you will use them throughout your job as well.
The Career Center also offers mock interviews and other workshops to help you develop strong communication skills. Call to see how we can help!
Entrepreneur- 14 ways to improve your communication skills
The better you work with others, the more successful your team will be in achieving their goals. Employees often need to collaborate or work with others to complete tasks and projects – having teamwork skills and experience will make it a much better experience. Follow the link below to discover more great tips on developing your team building skills and how to showcase them in your resume.
Youtheemployment.org – Build your teamwork skills
It is important to have some grasp of certain technologies that are commonly used in our world today. Different careers require the knowledge of different technology but a good basic understanding of computers, the internet, and telephones is a necessity. Many jobs will require a knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint. If you are unsure of what your career field may need, call us to discuss!
Talent Egg- 4 basic tech skills every job seeker should have
Leadership is an important skill to have as it shows employers that you are independent and trust worthy. Most of us have lead in some way; being a part of a team or club, working in a group project, or watching out for our younger family members. If you need to develop your leadership skills more, join a club! There are many clubs on campus and even if you are not a vice president or treasurer in these clubs you are still improving leadership.
Vault.com- 5 ways to show leadership
Career Rocketeer- 11 ways to improve your leadership skills
Professionalism is very important in any career it shows dependability. Professionalism is the ability to demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits. Some examples are punctuality, working productively with others, time management, and a good professional work image.
Work it Daily- 4 ways to increase professionalism
There is no better time or place to build your network than on a college campus. Make connections with SE faculty, staff and students and remember the career center is here to help.
Building your network can sometimes be tricky, but it can also be easy. You need to have a clear mind on what you are wanting to build, make sure you know who you are going to want to work with on your network, and have a good idea of what your network will be. Connect with as many people as you can and build good solid relationships with them. Make sure your network will benefit you. Here are some ways to consider building your network.
While you are still a student at SE, use this opportunity to connect with SE’s faculty, staff, alumni and student body. Get involved in organizations, go to campus events, and connect with your professors.
The Career Management Center puts on various events throughout the year to connect you with employers. Events include career fairs, mixers, and etiquette dinners. Call your career center for more opportunities to connect.
Nowadays, just about every individual and organization has a social presence. This makes it a powerful resource for career and network development. While your previous use of social media may have been more — well, social — in nature, that is only the beginning of what these platforms have to offer.
Career Fairs are a great way to connect and network with leaders in your industry. Southeastern’s Career Management Center puts on several career fairs throughout the year that are catered to certain majors.
Don’t underestimate the value of part-time and summer jobs. The real-world experience you gain through part-time jobs demonstrates work ethic, time management, and other career readiness skills. Let the career center help you find the right job for you during your student experience.
On campus jobs are an amazing thing. They give you an opportunity to go to class, do the extra activities on campus, and still be able to work. Your campus has so many jobs to offer that sometimes you don’t even know about. They give you good hours and always work with your schedule. On campus jobs can also help you work for the future while still in school.
Check out Southeastern’s current on campus jobs (link here)
My College Advice- How On-Campus Jobs Transformed my Student Experience
Working while in college can be a rewarding experience. It helps build your resume and networking opportunities and provides you with real life experience. Here is a list of local jobs from businesses that partner with the Career Management Center.
If you need help finding a job come see us! We provide many resources to help you begin your career!
E-Advisors- Benefits of Working while in College
Internships give college students the opportunity to look into the career field of your choice. They also help build your resume and give you an extra boost above the competition when applying for jobs. Internships are a great way to develop the necessary skills in your field.
Career Up- Why Internship Experience is more Important than Ever
Another great way to build career readiness skills is to volunteer or join a club. Serving, learning, and leading are great ways to gain valuable experience as you build skills needed for future success.
Volunteering is a great way to network with people and develop skills. It’s important to give back to your community and Southeastern gives students lots of opportunities to volunteer.
Getting involved in campus activities and help build your network and develop your communication and leadership skills. Southeastern has a great variety of clubs for people of all interests. Check them out.