The journey through higher education is a transformative experience because it equips students with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to pursue their dreams. In today’s dynamic and competitive job market, being academically proficient is no longer enough. Graduates must also possess the skills and attributes that make them career-ready. Here, we’ll explore the concept of career or workplace readiness, delve into its significance for higher education students, understand the importance of soft skills, and discuss the NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) career readiness competencies, highlighting five key competencies that can make all the difference in a graduate’s career.
Career readiness, also known as workplace readiness, refers to the preparedness of individuals to enter the workforce and thrive in their chosen careers. It encompasses a broad spectrum of skills, knowledge, and attributes that go beyond academic achievements and technical expertise such as emotional intelligence, cultural competence, financial literacy, and much more. Career readiness prepares students to tackle the challenges and complexities of the modern workplace, enabling them to adapt, excel, and contribute meaningfully to their chosen professions.
Beyond the obvious benefit of making sure students are ready for the workforce, many reports, including one by Indeed, note that career readiness, when focused on at the college level, help students find a fulfilling career—which is the goal of most higher ed learners. Here are a few reasons career readiness is critical for higher ed students.
In a survey conducted by Top Hat in 2022, 72 percent of students indicate that their instructors help them understand how what they are learning will support their career readiness after college. 2 Professors play a pivotal role in preparing students for the workplace, and there are several actions they can take to enhance career readiness.
Firstly, professors can actively assist students in securing internships and co-op opportunities by offering guidance, sharing industry contacts, and providing information about available positions. Moreover, aligning coursework and assignments with real-world applications and challenges can help students bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Professors can foster a collaborative and team-oriented learning environment, as teamwork and communication are vital workplace skills. Encouraging students to engage in group projects that simulate workplace dynamics can further enhance their ability to work effectively in teams. Additionally, professors can offer career counseling, workshops on resume-building and interviewing skills, and provide insights into industry trends and expectations. By combining academic knowledge with practical experience and career-oriented support, professors can significantly contribute to students’ readiness for the professional world.
Top Hat’s Interactive eTexts can also promote career readiness competencies. The MBA Human Resources department at the University of Canada West (UCW) created three custom Top Hat textbooks, packed with real-world examples that could help students digest concepts faster. “Every chapter has cases from the Canadian context that students can relate to,” shares Nisa Chand, Assistant Professor in UCW’s MBA program. The level of detail found within all three Top Hat texts has an added benefit: students can now earn their Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) accreditation during the program versus upon graduation. Allowing students to learn from relevant course materials hasn’t only helped with engagement, it’s enabled students to more effectively apply their learnings to the business world.
Soft skills, often referred to as interpersonal or non-technical skills, play a crucial role in career readiness. As reported by the Department of Labor, the three ‘Rs’ (reading, writing, and arithmetic) may be essential to your job, but soft skills could be just as, if not more, important to work readiness. These skills are not specific to any particular profession but are essential for success in any job. Some of the key soft skills that contribute to career readiness include:
Soft skills vs. technical skills
Soft skills and technical skills represent distinct yet interconnected components of an individual’s skill set, and both play pivotal roles in career readiness within the context of higher education.
Soft skills: Soft skills, also known as interpersonal or non-technical skills, encompass a broad range of qualities and behaviors that enable effective communication, collaboration, and adaptability in various settings. These skills are inherently transferable and can be applied across different professions and industries.
Examples of soft skills include communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, leadership, and time management. In higher education, cultivating soft skills is essential as they empower students to navigate the complexities of academic and professional environments successfully.
Soft skills help learners engage in meaningful class discussions, collaborate effectively on group projects, and build relationships with professors and peers. Furthermore, these skills are vital for job interviews, networking, and career advancement, making them integral to career readiness in higher education.
Jessica Roisen, Professor of Philosophy at St. Ambrose University, relies on her Top Hat Interactive eText to help hone career readiness competencies including soft skills. Roisen incorporates case studies that reflect our economic landscape today—presenting an engaging alternative to traditional problem solving. During classes, she asks students to read their assigned chapters and create slideshows of their takeaways in small groups. The process helps sharpen a number of soft skills, including leadership, teamwork and communication.
Technical skills: In contrast, technical skills are specific competencies related to a particular field, discipline, or profession. These skills are typically acquired through formal education, training programs, or hands-on experience and are directly applicable to a specific job or industry.
Examples of technical skills range from programming languages and laboratory techniques to legal research and financial analysis. In higher education, technical skills are often the core focus of specialized programs and courses, equipping students with the expertise required for their chosen career paths.
These skills provide a foundation for students to excel in their fields of study and ultimately secure employment. However, it’s essential to recognize that even in higher education, technical skills are most effective when complemented by strong soft skills. Graduates who can communicate their technical knowledge, work collaboratively, and adapt to changing circumstances are better prepared for the ever-evolving job market.
Career readiness in higher education: The integration of soft skills and technical skills is a cornerstone of career readiness in higher education. Institutions must not only impart technical expertise but also provide opportunities for students to develop and hone their soft skills. This can be achieved through interactive classroom environments, group projects, leadership opportunities, internships, and career development programs.
By fostering a holistic, twenty-first century skill set that combines technical proficiency with strong soft skills, higher education institutions prepare students not only for their first job but also for long-term career success. As graduates enter the workforce, they can draw upon their comprehensive skill set to communicate effectively, adapt to industry changes, collaborate in diverse teams, and demonstrate leadership qualities, all of which contribute to their readiness for a fulfilling and prosperous career.
Ninety-three percent of students say the variety of assessment types in Top Hat helped them develop critical thinking skills—a core competency for any career today. See how to create assignments and exams in Top Hat that prepare students for the workplace.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified eight career readiness competencies that serve as a valuable framework for higher education institutions and students. These competencies provide a structured approach to developing the skills and attributes necessary for career success. Here are the eight NACE career readiness competencies.
