From Classrooms to Careers
Your Penn State journey is preparing you for more than your next exam—it's building your future career. Career readiness is about developing the skills, experiences, and mindset that will make you stand out in today’s job market, and we’re here to help you connect the dots every step of the way.
Career readiness isn’t a one-time checklist. It’s a journey—one that begins the moment you step onto campus. Whether you’re finding your purpose, exploring your interests, or polishing your resume, you’re already on your way.
What is Career Readiness?
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), career readiness is “the attainment and demonstration of competencies that broadly prepare college graduates for a successful transition into the workplace.” These aren’t just technical skills—they’re communication, leadership, problem-solving, and professionalism, to name a few.
Understand the Career Readiness Competencies
Success after graduation isn’t just about having a degree—it’s about having the right skills. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) identifies eight key career competencies that employers seek in college graduates. Developing these skills now can help you stand out in job applications, internships, and beyond.
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Take charge of your future by actively exploring career options, seeking feedback, and pursuing opportunities to grow. Whether it’s through internships, mentorships, or professional development, continuous learning helps you stay competitive.
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Strong communication skills—both written and verbal—are essential in any career. Employers look for candidates who can articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and tailor messages to different audiences.
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Problem-solving is a must in any workplace. Developing critical thinking means analyzing issues, evaluating evidence, and making informed decisions. Employers value individuals who can approach challenges with logic and creativity.
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Creating inclusive workplaces starts with understanding diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued. Employers seek individuals who are open-minded, culturally aware, and committed to equity.
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Leadership isn’t just about a job title—it’s about inspiring and motivating others. Whether leading a team project or mentoring peers, developing leadership skills helps you take initiative and create positive change.
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Workplace success relies on reliability, accountability, and ethical behavior. Demonstrating professionalism means managing responsibilities effectively, meeting deadlines, and maintaining a strong work ethic.
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Collaboration is key in nearly every industry. Employers want team players who can build relationships, manage conflicts, and contribute to group success while respecting diverse perspectives.
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In a digital world, tech skills are essential. From mastering workplace software to adapting to new tools, staying tech-savvy ensures you remain relevant in today’s fast-changing job market.
Check your Career Readiness
Career Launch can help you explore your career readiness and identify ways in which you can grow the professional skills most valued by employers. Take this quick inventory and get an immediate result and rating across each of the 8 Career Readiness Competencies that are highly-sought after by employers.
Nearly two-thirds of employers use skills-based hiring practices for new entry-level hires.
The Penn State Difference at Work
At Penn State, we're focused on building well-rounded students through involvement, leadership, service, and engagement outside the classroom. When you attend a workshop, lead a student org, or navigate a group project, you're building skills that employers are looking for. Every journey looks different, but one thing is the same: you're building transferable skills that matter.
Build your Skill Set
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Get Involved in a Student Org
Build teamwork and leadership skills as part of a dynamic organization. -
Become an Engaged Citizen
Develop your voice, organize events, and lead change in your community. -
Pick up a Part-Time Job
Build communication and problem-solving skills working with others. -
Connect with a Community
Strengthen cultural agility and community building skills. -
Take Care of Yourself
Healthy habits that lead to professional success start now. -
Carry on a Legacy
Hone values-based leadership and conflict resolution skills.
Start with a Career Assessment
Understanding your interests, values, personality, and skills is key to finding possible career paths, building a community on campus around shared interests, and gaining valuable experiences that set you up for success beyond campus. The Focus2 assessment gets the core of what drives you and provides suggestions of career paths to explore.
Career Counseling to Connect the Skills
At Penn State, you have endless opportunities to gain the real-world skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for any industry. Career counseling and coaching can help you understand what you bring to the table, explore career pathways that may be a great fit, and coach you to feel confident in searching, applying, and identifying the next step after graduation.