Career Readiness Checklist

Employers across all industries consistently look for these abilities:

• Career & Self-Development – Take initiative in learning new skills, seek feedback, and set professional goals.
• Communication – Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, and perspectives.
• Critical Thinking – Identify and respond to needs based on an understanding of the situation and supporting evidence.
• Equity & Inclusion – Demonstrate respect and support for people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Leadership – Recognize and leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, while using interpersonal skills to guide and motivate.
• Professionalism – Show dependability, integrity, and accountability while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Teamwork – Build collaborative relationships, value diverse viewpoints, and contribute to group success.
• Technology – Use digital tools to solve problems, complete tasks, and achieve goals.

Tip: Highlight these skills in your resume, cover letter, and interviews by sharing specific examples.

Practical steps to build your readiness:

• Engage in Campus Activities – Join a club, student government, or peer mentoring program.
• Get Work Experience – Apply for an on-campus job, internship, or volunteer role.
• Take Career-Focused Courses – Enroll in classes that develop leadership or professional skills.
• Seek Feedback – Ask supervisors, instructors, or peers for constructive feedback and reflect on areas to grow.
• Attend Workshops & Events – Build networks and learn job-search strategies early.

Downloadable Tool (Optional)

[Career Readiness Checklist PDF] – A printable worksheet students can use to mark their progress. - coming soon