At Case Western Reserve University, the Center for Career Success helps students develop the core competencies that prepare them to thrive in any professional environment. Career readiness is about building essential skills, strategic thinking, and confidence to succeed in your career—and effectively communicate your value to employers.
What Are Career Readiness Competencies?
Career readiness competencies are the foundational skills and abilities that employers consistently seek. These include the NACE Career Readiness Competencies:
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Critical Thinking & Problem Solving – Analyze complex issues, make informed decisions, and overcome challenges.
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Communication – Articulate ideas clearly and persuasively in written, oral, and digital forms.
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Collaboration & Teamwork – Work effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared goals.
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Digital Fluency – Apply technology strategically to solve problems and enhance productivity.
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Leadership – Guide initiatives, motivate teams, and leverage strengths to achieve results.
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Professionalism & Ethical Practice – Demonstrate accountability, integrity, and resilience.
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Career Management – Take ownership of your career development and navigate professional opportunities.
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Equity & Inclusion – Demonstrate awareness, knowledge, and skills to equitably engage and include people from different backgrounds. Actively challenge systems, structures, and policies of inequity and oppression.
These competencies align closely with AAC&U Essential Learning Outcomes, such as analytical reasoning, ethical decision-making, effective communication, collaboration, and lifelong learning—preparing students to excel in their careers and beyond.
Why Focus on Career Readiness Competencies?
Employers are looking for graduates who can demonstrate both technical expertise and mastery of these core skills. Developing career readiness competencies allows you to:
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Adapt confidently to evolving work environments
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Collaborate and lead effectively across teams
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Communicate your value with clarity and impact
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Strategically manage your career trajectory
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Promote equity and inclusion in professional settings
How to Build and Showcase Your Competencies
The Center for Career Success offers multiple pathways to develop and demonstrate your career readiness:
Career Development Hub
The Career Development Hub is an asynchronous Canvas course designed to give you flexibility in building career readiness skills at your own pace. Developed by Center for Career Success staff, the Hub covers a wide range of professional development topics, ensuring that you can tailor your learning to your unique goals and timeline.
Topics Covered Include:
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Application Documents – Craft effective resumes, CVs, and personalized cover letters
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Career Exploration – Reflect on your values, interests, personality, and potential career paths
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Networking – Build confidence in professional networking, both in-person and online
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Interviewing – Prepare for behavioral, technical, and virtual interviews
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Ethical Use of AI – Learn how to leverage AI tools responsibly in your career development
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International Student Resources – Access strategies and guidance tailored for international students
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Job Search Strategies – Develop strategic approaches to internships, co-ops, and full-time positions
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Experiential Education – Explore opportunities such as co-ops, internships, research, and service learning
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Graduate School Preparation – Understand application requirements, timelines, and expectations for advanced degrees
Earn Digital Badges:
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Students can earn digital badges by completing individual modules (e.g., Job Search Strategies, Networking), allowing you to showcase specific competencies to employers.
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Complete four required modules—Application Documents, Interviewing, Networking, and Job Search Strategies—to earn the Career Ready Badge, a comprehensive credential demonstrating mastery of essential career readiness skills.
The Career Development Hub empowers students to:
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Build skills on their own schedule, ideal for busy undergraduate and graduate students
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Gain evidence of competency through stackable digital badges that can be shared with employers or on professional portfolios
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Connect what they learn in the Hub to real-world experiences, including workshops, internships, and job searches
In-Person Workshops
Attend interactive sessions on resumes, cover letters, interviews, networking, and professional branding. Check Handshake for upcoming workshops by searching “career readiness” in the events section.
Career Readiness Certification Program
The Career Readiness Certification Program is a 5-day immersive summer experience designed to provide structured support for career exploration and professional growth. The summer timing allows students greater flexibility to attend all five days.
Program Highlights:
Through workshops, interactive Canvas modules, and individualized assignments, participants will:
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Reflect on personal identity, values, interests, personality, and cultural influences on career decision-making
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Write strong resumes, CVs, and tailored cover letters
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Develop strategic approaches to job and internship searches
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Practice interview skills and receive peer and mentor feedback
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Build networking confidence and enhance online presence
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Strengthen their capacity to engage equitably and promote inclusion in professional settings
Students who complete all workshops and assignments earn a Career Readiness Certificate and digital badge from the Center for Career Success—demonstrating their mastery of career readiness competencies and readiness to excel in the professional world.