Career competencies
Career readiness is the attainment and demonstration of requisite competencies that broadly prepare college graduates for a successful transition into the workplace. These seven competencies are the ones employers ask about, and you build them across your classes, jobs, service, and student organizations at UT.
The seven competencies
Expand each one to see what it means and how to build it at UT.
Critical thinking
Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.
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Gain problem solving skills through course research projects, leadership in student organizations, or by taking part in undergraduate research.
Communication
Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.
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Hone these skills in your classes through written work and public speaking.
Teamwork
Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating varied viewpoints and shared responsibilities.
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There’s a reason your professors assign group projects. Employers want graduates who can collaborate with colleagues and work effectively on a team to reach a common goal.
Technology
Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
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Digital technology looks different depending on your industry or major. Consider the specific tools, software, or programs you need to be familiar with for your future career. LinkedIn Learning is free for all UT students and covers technology, creative tools, and business programs.
Leadership
Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.
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The Jones Center for Leadership and Service provides opportunities for students to gain valuable leadership experience through campus programs and community service.
Professionalism
Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
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In practice this means punctuality, working productively, personal accountability, integrity, and ethical behavior.
Career and self development
Develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and building relationships.
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Career management looks different for everyone. Make an appointment with a career coach to work out the next steps in your own career plan.
Assess yourself
Work out where you stand today, then decide what to build next. Bring any of these to an appointment with a career coach.
Self-assessment
Rate yourself on each competency, then map the skills you are gaining from classes, projects, and jobs.
Resume worksheet
Turn what you have done into resume language that names the competency behind it.
Interview questions
Practice questions grouped by competency, so you can prepare evidence for each one.
Do this next
Competencies grow through what you do, not what you know about them. Pick the next thing.
Gain experience through internships, research, and service
Put the competencies into your resume
Talk it through with a career coach