Getting CAREEReady
It is important throughout a student’s academic career to develop a number of skills for the workforce. The National Association of Colleges and Employers has identified 8 career readiness competencies, or skills that increase a new graduate’s workforce preparedness. These include: career and self-development, communication, critical thinking, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and technology. For more information on each competency, review our sample behaviors and definitions.
The CAREEReady Series focuses on fostering professional leadership, enhancing connections, and strengthening key career readiness competencies. Active engagement in monthly sessions will empower students to grow personally and professionally, with each workshop tackling specific skills and topics.
It’s important that students are practicing with these skills in different settings and learning to articulate how they have shaped professional growth.
CAREEReady sessions invite students with part-time work experience, internship experience, club involvement, leadership roles, etc. to:
- discuss their experiences
- problem-solve together to enhance career readiness, and
- reflect on how these skills and experiences relate to future careers.
Workshops are facilitated by Career Development Center staff and employers, so get ready to apply your skills to real-world working scenarios!
Workshop topics are often connected to skillsets students are already starting to build through internships or other campus involvement, to refine reflection and develop new strategies. Examples:
- Conflict management
- Evaluations with peer team members
- Work-life balance
Are there skill sets or scenarios you’d like to develop? Propose a topic: careercenter@appstate.edu.
Faculty and student employee supervisor encouragement helps students understand the importance of career readiness competencies. We can confirm student attendance if you would like to award credit for participation. To request a specialized presentation on these topics, email: careercenter@appstate.edu
Why students need to be CAREEReady
In recent surveys from NACE’s Job Outlook 2026 Spring Update, employers indicated that 22% of new graduates were very well prepared for work, and 74% were somewhat well prepared for work. More intentional practice with career readiness competencies and critical reflection can help students close that gap.
Upcoming Events
CAREEReady Lunch & Learn: Self-Advocacy
Join this session to discuss tips for advocating for yourself with your supervisor or teammates and navigating feedback processes. Lunch provided.
Free food provided.
CAREEReady Lunch & Learn: Conflict Resolution
Practice tools to navigate conflict, whether one-on-one, in groups, or supporting others as a mediator. This is a great professional development option for student clubs and on-campus jobs, so invite your friends!
Free food provided.
CAREEReady Lunch & Learn: Building Your Brand
In this session, you’ll learn directly from career coaches and employers! Gain advice regarding: the best ways to promote yourself during the job search, what employers are looking for, and how to define your own “brand” as a working professional.
Free food provided.