Learning Objectives

Did you know that employers across all industries are often looking for many of the same skills from their candidates? The National Association of Colleges and Employers has surveyed employers for many years and found that there are 8 major categories of career skills that make a candidate career ready. These skills are gained in a variety of ways and employers want to see that you can demonstrate how you have effectively used them in your experiences.

The learning objectives set for the Professional Development Week sessions are based on a portion of the NACE career competencies and their observable behaviors. These objectives are designed for students and professionals of all experience levels, and the week's programming will help you develop these skills.

After attending a session, take a minute to note something new you learned and 1-3 action steps you’ll take next to continue furthering your own professional development.

Career & Self Development
  • Show an awareness of own strengths and areas for development.
  • Develop plans and goals for one’s career path.
  • Display curiosity; seek out opportunities to learn.
  • Identify areas for continual growth while pursuing and applying feedback.
Communication
  • Understand the importance of and demonstrate verbal, written, and non-verbal/body language, abilities.
  • Employ active listening, persuasion, and influencing skills.
Equity & Inclusion
  • Keep an open mind to diverse ideas and new ways of thinking.
Leadership
  • Seek out and leverage diverse resources and feedback from others to inform direction.
Professionalism
  • Maintain a positive personal brand in alignment with organization and personal career values.
  • Be present and prepared.
Teamwork
  • Listen carefully to others, taking time to understand and ask appropriate questions without interrupting.
  • Interact with and respect diverse personalities, and meet ambiguity with resilience.
  • Build strong, positive working relationships
Technology
  • Be open to learning new technologies.
  • Use technology to improve efficiency and productivity of their work.