Being career-ready means having the right skills, attitude, and habits to succeed in the real world of work. In today’s competitive job market, career readiness isn’t just a bonus — it’s the new standard. It’s exactly what employers are looking for, and it’s what sets successful candidates apart.
Are You Career Ready?
Understanding NACE Career Competencies: Your Path to Career Readiness
Master the essential skills employers demand and launch your career with confidence. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified eight key competencies that will set you apart in today’s competitive job market.
What is Career Readiness and Why Does It Matter?
Career readiness serves as the foundation that prepares college graduates to successfully transition into the workplace and manage their careers throughout life. It’s not just about getting a job—it’s about thriving in your profession.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) defines career readiness as the attainment and demonstration of competencies that broadly prepare college graduates for workplace success.
When you’re career ready, you possess the skills and behaviors that make you stand out from your peers. These competencies are valued by employers across industries and will help you navigate workplace challenges with confidence.
- Career & Self-Development
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Equity & Inclusion
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Technology
96%
Employer Priority
Percentage of employers who rate communication as a critical competency when hiring recent graduates.
3.8x
Career Advancement
Graduates who demonstrate all eight competencies are 3.8 times more likely to receive promotions within their first two years.
73%
Skills Gap
Percentage of employers who report a gap between graduate skills and workplace requirements, highlighting the competitive advantage of competency development.
Your Next Steps: Becoming Career Ready Today
- For course credit, register for our Career and Professional Development courses available throughout the year.
To provide guidance and clarity to students that find themselves unsure about a major and career path. The course addresses freshman first time undecided about a major as well as students that have discovered that their initial major or career choice does not match their personal and professional aspirations. Students will be guided through a formal assessment of their personal characteristics, consider possible career choices and identify associated majors.
To provide students with information and resources necessary to begin building a strong foundation toward “Career Readiness” and an understanding of the importance of developing a comprehensive career plan. Students will be introduced to the advantages of developing an effective resume and associated career documents and the importance of beginning to define their career goals.
To inform students of the various experiential learning opportunities available to them and to provide resources to identify the extra-curricular activities that best meet the needs of their individual career planning and professional development. Students will continue to evaluate and select opportunities in study abroad, leadership, professional organizations, and service learning that will prepare them to be competitive as they enter into the job search process. Interviewing techniques and skills will also be addressed.
To provide students with knowledge, skills and the ability to successfully launch a comprehensive job search. Students will learn how to search for potential employment opportunities and to utilize the latest available job search resources. Understanding the importance of professional branding, career development, and financial planning to meet life-long goals will also be covered.
- Build Your Network– Connect with professionals through informational interviews, industry conferences, and online platforms like LinkedIn. A strong network provides opportunities to develop and showcase your competencies.
- Engage in Experiential Learning – Get involved in volunteer work, internships, co-ops, research projects, and student organizations to apply these competencies in real-world settings. Be sure to document specific examples that showcase how you’ve demonstrated each skill through these experiences.
- Enroll in the WVU Global Career Accelerator Program to gain field experience and certifications in high-demand careers while earning college credit.
- Seek Professional Development– Attend workshops on public speaking, critical thinking, and diversity. Take career assessments and work with your Career Development Specialist to identify your strengths and areas for growth.
- On-Campus Student Employment or Other Part-Time Job– Working during the academic year or over summer and winter breaks is a great way to earn extra income, gain valuable work experience, and start building your professional network. These opportunities can help you strengthen your skills and prepare for your future career. Take time to explore your options and choose what works best for you.
Start building your career readiness portfolio today by documenting experiences that showcase your competency growth. Visit your campus career center or log into Handshake to access assessment tools, workshops, and personalized coaching.
Reed School of Media and Communications Students:
This week, we have lots of workshops, internships, and events to share with you! There are grants and development funds available for many opportunities, specifically for students in the Reed School of Media …
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