Career Competencies
Career Competencies
WHAT IS CAREER READINESS?
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), career readiness is the foundation that prepares college graduates for success in the workplace and in lifelong career management. This readiness is demonstrated through a set of core competencies that reflect the skills, abilities, and behaviors employers consistently value across industries.
At the Chirico Career Center, we bring these competencies to life by helping students actively develop them throughout their time at Providence College. Through personalized career coaching, experiential learning opportunities, employer engagement, leadership development, and hands‑on programs, we support students as they strengthen these essential skills and confidently prepare for life after PC. Below, you’ll find each competency paired with the programs and experiences that help Friars build it.
Career & Self Development
Awareness of strengths, career plans and goals, seek opportunities to learn, build relationships, display curiosity, develop skills.
Ways to gain competencies:
Meet with a Career Coach to discuss CliftonStrengths and Focus2 assessment results and develop a career plan. Leverage the Friar Network to learn more about careers and how to prepare for the future.
Communication
Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts and perspectives with persons inside and outside an organization.
Ways to gain competencies:
Connect with employers during Snacks with Students, speak with alumni at career events, attend workshops to build skills.
CRITITCAL THINKING
Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.
Ways to gain competencies:
Class discussions, informational interviews, mock interviews, leadership roles
Equity & Inclusion
Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different cultures and backgrounds. Engage in anti-oppressive practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism and inequity
Ways to gain competencies:
Keep an open mind, listen to different perspectives, adapt to diverse environments, step out of your comfort zone.
Leadership
Recognize and capitalize on personal team strengths to achieve organizational goals.
Ways to gain competencies:
Take on a leadership role in a group project or club, share advice with underclassmen.
Professionalism
Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
Ways to gain competencies:
Review LinkedIn and FriarHub profiles to ensure they reflect your professional brand, demonstrate strong work ethic by being on time, prepared and present in class and work.
Teamwork
Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities
Ways to gain competencies:
Give time to listen to each member of your team or group, follow through on your deliverables, collaborate with others, build a strong, positive working relationship with peers and supervisors.
Technology
Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks and accomplish goals.
Ways to gain competencies:
Become Microsoft certified, use technology to improve your work, attend workshops to learn unfamiliar technologies.
