Proactively develop oneself and one's career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one's strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one's organization.

Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.

Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.

Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures. Engage in anti-racist practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism.

Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.

Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.

Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.

Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.

National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified career readiness as the attainment and demonstration of requisite competencies that broadly prepare college graduates for a successful transition into the workplace. s here

Effectively managing time and being responsible are adult life skills that college graduates need to successfully navigate not only their careers, but their personal lives as well. In life, everyone is performing a juggling act between work, family, fun, and bills. But no matter what obligations you have outside work, companies expect their employees to be responsible individuals who can manage their time wisely.

Many college students struggle with money due to a lack of financial education prior to high school graduation, but it's also due to the financial stress of college. In fact, some students struggle with budgeting to the point that they run out of money while they're in school. Money.com explains that due to unexpected expenses, the cost of tuition, books, and other college fees, many students run out of funds prior to the end of the semester. This can be detrimental to your success and can also set you up for debt and other issues upon graduation..

With the steadily increasing demands of school, there has also been growing concern for the mental health of college students. From dealing with food insecurity to having to work while in school, students have a lot to deal with beyond the classroom. Learning to embrace self-care and manage stress provides a foundation of coping skills that graduates can use in the workforce.

Many students learn motivation and perseverance techniques, but it can be difficult for some students to stay motivated when the going gets tough. In recent years, higher education professionals have focused on developing student perseverance to increase retention rates.

In this life skills lesson, students improve their career planning by examining the steps to prepare for and engage in an interview.