Career Readiness Reflection (5 points)
Learning objectives of this assignment:
• You will be able to explain how your prior work and/or academic experiences correspond to the eight competencies employers are most seeking in entry-level candidates
• You will reflect on competencies you can build prior to graduation to help your candidacy for positions
• You will identify resources in your area of interest to assist you in your professional and career development
Career Development Plan
Whether you realize it or not, every class, job, internship, leadership position, etc. that you participate in throughout your Auburn University education is preparing you for a meaningful personal and professional life ahead.
The ability to recognize and articulate how these experiences are helping you develop the competencies employers are seeking will help you in all stages of your career development process.
Likewise, the ability to articulate your competencies on your resume, in cover letters, on graduate school applications, in interviews, and in conversations with alumni/employers will help employers see the value you can add to their organization.
The following are the eight competencies employers are most seeking in their entry-level candidates:
· Critical Thinking/Problem Solving – Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness.
· Oral/Written Communications – Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization. The individual has public speaking skills; is able to express ideas to others; and can write/edit memos, letters, and complex technical reports clearly and effectively.
· Teamwork/Collaboration – Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure, and can negotiate and manage conflict.
· Digital Technology – Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. The individual demonstrates effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies.
· Leadership – Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others. The individual is able to assess and manage his/her emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to guide and motivate; and organize, prioritize, and delegate work.
· Professionalism/Work Ethic – Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. The individual demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.
· Career Management – Identify and articulate one’s skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals, and identify areas necessary for professional growth. The individual is able to navigate and explore job options, understands and can take the steps necessary to pursue opportunities, and understands how to self-advocate for opportunities in the workplace.
· Global/Intercultural Fluency – Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. The individual demonstrates openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand individuals’ differences.
What you need to turn in:
Using the Career Development Plan worksheet, found on CANVAS, connect your jobs, internships, campus involvement, and academics to the eight competencies employers are seeking. This will help you to recognize and articulate the value of your experiences in resumes, cover letters, graduate school applications, interviews, and conversations with alumni/employers. This will also help you identify competencies that you need to continue developing.
Then answer the three goal setting questions at the bottom of the Career Development Plan worksheet where you can identify next steps or actions to move forward in the career development process.
Things to consider when answering the goal setting questions:
· Your goals should identify a specific action on your part that will take place. Don’t simply create a wish list. Also, be specific!
· Your goals should be quantifiable.
· Your goals should state the time period in which they will be accomplished. A good list will include short-term (next semester) and long-term (next year) goals.
· Your goals should be attainable given the available resources.
Grading Rubric (5 pts total):
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Criteria
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Ratings
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Pts
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Analysis: Did you complete the Career Development Plan worksheet fully with adequate detail and upload to the assignment in Canvas?
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Yes (2 pts)
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No (0 pts)
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2
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Evaluation: Did you reflect on your desired career path and map out competency or competencies that you want to enhance or improve?
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Yes (1 pt)
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No (0 pts)
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1
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Goals: Did you identify specific goals and describe the steps and resources required to achieve these goals?
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Yes (2 pt)
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No (0 pts)
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2
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