Employers who hire new college graduates have identified core skills that are critical to students’ success in the job search and in the workplace.
Take a look at the core competencies from the UW's Career & Internship Center to recognize skills you already have that you can highlight in your application, and skills you might want to improve through the position you are applying for.
Career and self-development
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.
Communication
Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization. This includes both verbal and written communication.
Critical thinking
Identify and respond to the needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.
Equity and 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 they systems, structures, and policies of racism and inequity.
Leadership
Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.
Professionalism
Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
Teamwork
Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.
Technology
Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
