18 answers
Sean
Student
Santa Clara, California
3
Questions
Asked
1412 views
What competency and skills framework should I follow to make sure I'm career ready when I graduate?
What competency and skills framework should I follow to make sure I'm career ready when I graduate?
Login to comment
18 answers
Jane Wang
12
Answers
Updated
Jane’s Answer
I don’t think you need to follow a complicated competency framework. Before graduation, I would focus on building a good mix of job-specific skills, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and the ability to learn and adapt. More importantly, don’t just ask yourself, “Do I have this skill?” Ask, “Can I give a real example that proves it?” Those examples can come from internships, school projects, part-time jobs, clubs, or volunteer work. My advice is to build your skills while also collecting real experiences that demonstrate them, because being able to share a good example in an interview is often much more powerful than simply listing skills on your resume.
surabhi singh
Working in pwc
4
Answers
Raipur
Updated
surabhi’s Answer
Improve your critical thinking, boost your communication skills, and learn to manage your time better.
Sudhir Rao
Analyst
10
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sudhir’s Answer
Improve your communication skills.
Develop critical thinking abilities.
Work well with others as a team.
Manage your money wisely.
Continuously learn new skills and technologies.
Stay fit and healthy to demonstrate discipline.
Stay organized, even with the smallest details.
Develop critical thinking abilities.
Work well with others as a team.
Manage your money wisely.
Continuously learn new skills and technologies.
Stay fit and healthy to demonstrate discipline.
Stay organized, even with the smallest details.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2729
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. There are some soft skills you can learn, these soft skills are vital to different careers.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Communication both oral and written
2. Critical Thinking
3. Time Management
4. Problem Solving
5. Stakeholders Management
Hope thus helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Communication both oral and written
2. Critical Thinking
3. Time Management
4. Problem Solving
5. Stakeholders Management
Hope thus helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Jennifer Torres
Talent Senior
4
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hello!
To be ready for your career when you graduate, keep learning, stay open-minded, and ask questions if you're unsure. Stay organized and work on your communication, adaptability, and time management skills. You'll pick up many other skills along the way!
You've got this!
To be ready for your career when you graduate, keep learning, stay open-minded, and ask questions if you're unsure. Stay organized and work on your communication, adaptability, and time management skills. You'll pick up many other skills along the way!
You've got this!
Violaine Gonzalez
Senior Associate
196
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Violaine’s Answer
To get ready for a career in medicine and neurosurgery, focus on these important skills:
Career Skills:
- Think critically
- Communicate clearly
- Work well with others
- Use digital tools effectively
- Lead and guide teams
- Act professionally
Healthcare Skills:
- Know science and math well
- Research and analyze data
- Stay calm under pressure
- Show empathy and care for patients
- Pay attention to details
- Follow ethical guidelines
Develop these skills through your studies, volunteering, and activities outside of school to be well-prepared for your future career!
Career Skills:
- Think critically
- Communicate clearly
- Work well with others
- Use digital tools effectively
- Lead and guide teams
- Act professionally
Healthcare Skills:
- Know science and math well
- Research and analyze data
- Stay calm under pressure
- Show empathy and care for patients
- Pay attention to details
- Follow ethical guidelines
Develop these skills through your studies, volunteering, and activities outside of school to be well-prepared for your future career!
Steven Chen
Accountant
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Hi! That’s a great question—thinking about competency and skills frameworks now can really help you graduate career-ready and confident in what you bring to the table.
While different fields and employers might emphasize particular skills, there are several widely recognized frameworks and sets of competencies that can guide you in building a strong, well-rounded foundation for any career, including medicine or healthcare.
Here are some frameworks and key skill areas to consider:
1. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies
This is a popular framework that highlights 8 core competencies employers look for:
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Ability to identify issues, analyze information, and come up with solutions.
Oral/Written Communication: Being able to clearly express ideas and information effectively.
Teamwork/Collaboration: Working effectively with others to achieve common goals.
Digital Technology: Using technology appropriately to perform tasks and communicate.
Leadership: Ability to guide, motivate, and influence others positively.
Professionalism/Work Ethic: Showing responsibility, integrity, and a positive attitude.
Career Management: Understanding how to set goals and navigate career paths strategically.
Global/Intercultural Fluency: Awareness and respect for diverse cultures and perspectives.
2. Healthcare-Specific Competency Frameworks
Since you’re interested in medicine, frameworks like the AAMC Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students are useful. They emphasize:
Service Orientation
Social Skills
Cultural Competence
Teamwork
Oral and Written Communication
Ethical Responsibility
Reliability and Dependability
Resilience and Adaptability
Capacity for Improvement
Scientific Inquiry
Critical Thinking
These are tailored to what medical schools and healthcare employers look for.
3. Soft Skills and Transferable Skills
No matter your field, focus on developing:
Time Management
Adaptability and Flexibility
Initiative/Proactivity
Emotional Intelligence
Networking and Relationship Building
Analytical Thinking
How to Start Applying These:
Reflect on your experiences (school projects, volunteering, part-time jobs) and identify where you’ve demonstrated these skills.
Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or supervisors on areas to improve.
Look for opportunities to strengthen weaker areas—this could be through clubs, internships, workshops, or online courses.
Document your achievements and skills in a portfolio or resume ready for interviews.
Good luck—you're already thinking in the right direction!
While different fields and employers might emphasize particular skills, there are several widely recognized frameworks and sets of competencies that can guide you in building a strong, well-rounded foundation for any career, including medicine or healthcare.
Here are some frameworks and key skill areas to consider:
1. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies
This is a popular framework that highlights 8 core competencies employers look for:
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Ability to identify issues, analyze information, and come up with solutions.
Oral/Written Communication: Being able to clearly express ideas and information effectively.
Teamwork/Collaboration: Working effectively with others to achieve common goals.
Digital Technology: Using technology appropriately to perform tasks and communicate.
Leadership: Ability to guide, motivate, and influence others positively.
Professionalism/Work Ethic: Showing responsibility, integrity, and a positive attitude.
Career Management: Understanding how to set goals and navigate career paths strategically.
Global/Intercultural Fluency: Awareness and respect for diverse cultures and perspectives.
2. Healthcare-Specific Competency Frameworks
Since you’re interested in medicine, frameworks like the AAMC Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students are useful. They emphasize:
Service Orientation
Social Skills
Cultural Competence
Teamwork
Oral and Written Communication
Ethical Responsibility
Reliability and Dependability
Resilience and Adaptability
Capacity for Improvement
Scientific Inquiry
Critical Thinking
These are tailored to what medical schools and healthcare employers look for.
3. Soft Skills and Transferable Skills
No matter your field, focus on developing:
Time Management
Adaptability and Flexibility
Initiative/Proactivity
Emotional Intelligence
Networking and Relationship Building
Analytical Thinking
How to Start Applying These:
Reflect on your experiences (school projects, volunteering, part-time jobs) and identify where you’ve demonstrated these skills.
Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or supervisors on areas to improve.
Look for opportunities to strengthen weaker areas—this could be through clubs, internships, workshops, or online courses.
Document your achievements and skills in a portfolio or resume ready for interviews.
Good luck—you're already thinking in the right direction!
Wong Loke Yuen
Dean; Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
787
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
A good way to prepare for your career is to build skills in different areas, not just focus on getting good grades. You should understand the basic knowledge related to your degree and learn how it is used in the real world.
You should also develop technical and digital skills that are useful in your chosen career. For example, business students may benefit from learning Excel, data analysis, and basic AI tools. The skills you need will depend on the type of job you want after graduation.
Soft skills are equally important. Work on your communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, and time-management skills. Employers often look for people who can work well with others and adapt to new situations.
You should also develop technical and digital skills that are useful in your chosen career. For example, business students may benefit from learning Excel, data analysis, and basic AI tools. The skills you need will depend on the type of job you want after graduation.
Soft skills are equally important. Work on your communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, and time-management skills. Employers often look for people who can work well with others and adapt to new situations.
Ankita Paboowal
Auditor
7
Answers
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Updated
Ankita’s Answer
From my time as an auditor, I've learned that being ready for a career isn't just about having technical skills. While those skills can help you start, success in the workplace often depends on how well you communicate, solve problems, work with others, and adapt to new situations.
I suggest focusing on four key areas: technical and digital skills, communication and teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving, and professional skills like accountability, adaptability, and time management.
My audit experience taught me the value of asking the right questions, communicating with different people, managing deadlines, and explaining your thoughts clearly. These skills are useful in almost any job.
I encourage students to start building these skills before graduation. Use internships, university projects, clubs, volunteering, or part-time jobs to practice. Keep track of examples where you used these skills and what you achieved.
To me, being career-ready means not just having a list of skills but being able to say: "I've developed this skill, used it in real situations, and learned from it."
If you graduate with this mix of technical ability, people skills, professional judgment, and proof of using them, you'll be in a strong position for any career path you choose.
I suggest focusing on four key areas: technical and digital skills, communication and teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving, and professional skills like accountability, adaptability, and time management.
My audit experience taught me the value of asking the right questions, communicating with different people, managing deadlines, and explaining your thoughts clearly. These skills are useful in almost any job.
I encourage students to start building these skills before graduation. Use internships, university projects, clubs, volunteering, or part-time jobs to practice. Keep track of examples where you used these skills and what you achieved.
To me, being career-ready means not just having a list of skills but being able to say: "I've developed this skill, used it in real situations, and learned from it."
If you graduate with this mix of technical ability, people skills, professional judgment, and proof of using them, you'll be in a strong position for any career path you choose.
Stephanie Lew
Accounting
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
The transition from school / academia to the workforce can be overwhelming. As a college and high school mentor / sponsor of 10+ students over the last 20 years, key focus areas include communication (practice writing and verbal), note taking, building digital skills, critical thinking and time management.
Communication - Practice written skills if English is a second language (missing articles and punctuation) and formal writing (sometime emails are too colloquial). Enhance the verbal communication by taking advantage of your school's career center or speaking with adults whose speak approach you find encouraging and something you would like to emulate. Get out the umms / ahhs, "like" type words from your vernacular.
Take notes - Always have a learning mindset. I've found that many of the more successful professionals embrace feedback and apply.
Digital Skills - In our evolving world, change is constant. Keep up with the latest technology updates relevant for your field to stay current. Don't become obsolete.
Critical Thinking - What we learn in school may get stagnant. "I don't know" is not an answer. Challenge yourself to always find a solution, even though it may not be right - at least show that you tried.
Time Management - We all have competing priorities - professional, health, social, religious, personal, etc. Make the time for each part of your life that matters. Using a planner or calendar helps - block the time for what's important.
Hope the above helps!
Communication - Practice written skills if English is a second language (missing articles and punctuation) and formal writing (sometime emails are too colloquial). Enhance the verbal communication by taking advantage of your school's career center or speaking with adults whose speak approach you find encouraging and something you would like to emulate. Get out the umms / ahhs, "like" type words from your vernacular.
Take notes - Always have a learning mindset. I've found that many of the more successful professionals embrace feedback and apply.
Digital Skills - In our evolving world, change is constant. Keep up with the latest technology updates relevant for your field to stay current. Don't become obsolete.
Critical Thinking - What we learn in school may get stagnant. "I don't know" is not an answer. Challenge yourself to always find a solution, even though it may not be right - at least show that you tried.
Time Management - We all have competing priorities - professional, health, social, religious, personal, etc. Make the time for each part of your life that matters. Using a planner or calendar helps - block the time for what's important.
Hope the above helps!
Gina Cabrera,
I am an executive concierge at PwC. I am also a mother of two boys.
20
Answers
Hernando, Florida
Updated
Gina’s Answer
A helpful guide to follow is the NACE Career Readiness Competencies. It shows you the skills employers want when you graduate.
Here are some key areas to focus on:
Communication: Practice writing clearly, sharing your ideas, and speaking confidently with different people.
Teamwork: Learn to work well with others, handle disagreements, and be a good team player.
Critical thinking: Go beyond memorizing. Solve problems, ask questions, and understand how things work.
Technology: Get comfortable with tools in your field, especially AI and productivity tools.
Leadership: You don’t need a title to lead. Volunteer for projects, take initiative, help others, and learn decision-making.
Professionalism: Be reliable, meet deadlines, communicate issues, and learn workplace manners.
Career development: Build your résumé, set up a LinkedIn profile, attend career fairs, find internships, and start networking early.
Equity and inclusion: Work respectfully and effectively with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
My advice is not to wait until graduation to get "career ready." Use college as your practice ground. Join a club, get an internship, volunteer, take on leadership roles, talk to professors, and connect with people in careers you like.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. If you graduate with experience, strong communication skills, confidence with technology, and examples of problem-solving and teamwork, you’ll have plenty to discuss in an interview.
Here are some key areas to focus on:
Communication: Practice writing clearly, sharing your ideas, and speaking confidently with different people.
Teamwork: Learn to work well with others, handle disagreements, and be a good team player.
Critical thinking: Go beyond memorizing. Solve problems, ask questions, and understand how things work.
Technology: Get comfortable with tools in your field, especially AI and productivity tools.
Leadership: You don’t need a title to lead. Volunteer for projects, take initiative, help others, and learn decision-making.
Professionalism: Be reliable, meet deadlines, communicate issues, and learn workplace manners.
Career development: Build your résumé, set up a LinkedIn profile, attend career fairs, find internships, and start networking early.
Equity and inclusion: Work respectfully and effectively with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
My advice is not to wait until graduation to get "career ready." Use college as your practice ground. Join a club, get an internship, volunteer, take on leadership roles, talk to professors, and connect with people in careers you like.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. If you graduate with experience, strong communication skills, confidence with technology, and examples of problem-solving and teamwork, you’ll have plenty to discuss in an interview.
Martin Ligas
Talent Marketing & Engagement
8
Answers
Bratislava, Slovakia
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Don't stress too much about finding the "perfect" set of skills for a job. Most technical skills can be picked up when needed. What's tougher to learn are the soft skills that help you succeed in any career.
If I could start over, I'd focus on things like good communication, clear writing, working well with others, problem-solving, and quick learning. These skills are useful in almost every job.
It's also important to understand the world around you. Keep up with current events, how businesses run, the impact of technology, and how people interact. Being curious and having a broad view can make you stand out more than another certificate.
Learning basic life and professional skills is key too. Skills like time management, staying organized, speaking confidently, networking, handling feedback, and being reliable are simple but crucial for success.
The best advice is to be adaptable. Industries, technology, and jobs change. If you're curious, eager to learn, communicate well, and work well with others, you'll always be able to learn the technical stuff when needed.
In my experience, being ready for a career isn't about knowing everything before you graduate. It's about having the habits, mindset, and people skills to keep learning throughout your life. That's what really makes a difference over time.
If I could start over, I'd focus on things like good communication, clear writing, working well with others, problem-solving, and quick learning. These skills are useful in almost every job.
It's also important to understand the world around you. Keep up with current events, how businesses run, the impact of technology, and how people interact. Being curious and having a broad view can make you stand out more than another certificate.
Learning basic life and professional skills is key too. Skills like time management, staying organized, speaking confidently, networking, handling feedback, and being reliable are simple but crucial for success.
The best advice is to be adaptable. Industries, technology, and jobs change. If you're curious, eager to learn, communicate well, and work well with others, you'll always be able to learn the technical stuff when needed.
In my experience, being ready for a career isn't about knowing everything before you graduate. It's about having the habits, mindset, and people skills to keep learning throughout your life. That's what really makes a difference over time.
C Venkat
42
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
C’s Answer
Hi Sean,
Great question!
Here are competencies that you should develop & build that will be use in any career that you choose to go into:
1. Communication: Fine tune your written and verbal communication. You can practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to get feedback. Ask for feedback on whether you are able to convey your thoughts in crisp & clear language. Similarly, use the grammar tools in your computer to ensure that your written communication does not have any errors. These are especially importantw hen you apply for jobs, interviewinge tc.
2. People Skills: How do you interact with others - your peers, your teachers etc.? Are you polite, do you smile when you greet someone? FIrst impressions matter, so be sure to give a firm handshake, smile when you meet someone etc. This is something you can practice with a friend or in front of a mirror.
3. Be curious: This is a great trait in any job - ask questions if something is not clear, learn as much as you can in any situation. Learn new skills taht you are interested in.
4. Volunteer: Helping someone is a great way to use your skills while making a difference in someone else's life. This can be as simple as volunteering in the soup kitchen, working with organizations like Metropolitan Ministries or Feeding America, tutoring young students, helping the elderly etc.
5. Internship: Working during summer or weekends is a great way to build workplace ready skills and also develop Financial literacy. Again, remember to be polite and cheerful - these are a great way to impress others & will help you throughout your career.
Great question!
Here are competencies that you should develop & build that will be use in any career that you choose to go into:
1. Communication: Fine tune your written and verbal communication. You can practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to get feedback. Ask for feedback on whether you are able to convey your thoughts in crisp & clear language. Similarly, use the grammar tools in your computer to ensure that your written communication does not have any errors. These are especially importantw hen you apply for jobs, interviewinge tc.
2. People Skills: How do you interact with others - your peers, your teachers etc.? Are you polite, do you smile when you greet someone? FIrst impressions matter, so be sure to give a firm handshake, smile when you meet someone etc. This is something you can practice with a friend or in front of a mirror.
3. Be curious: This is a great trait in any job - ask questions if something is not clear, learn as much as you can in any situation. Learn new skills taht you are interested in.
4. Volunteer: Helping someone is a great way to use your skills while making a difference in someone else's life. This can be as simple as volunteering in the soup kitchen, working with organizations like Metropolitan Ministries or Feeding America, tutoring young students, helping the elderly etc.
5. Internship: Working during summer or weekends is a great way to build workplace ready skills and also develop Financial literacy. Again, remember to be polite and cheerful - these are a great way to impress others & will help you throughout your career.
CA Manish Sharma
audit and assurance
4
Answers
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Updated
CA Manish’s Answer
Hello! To prepare for your career after graduation, keep learning and stay curious. Don't hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear. Stay organized and focus on improving your communication, adaptability, and time management skills. You've got this!
Diana Rodriguez Velasquez
Psychologist
72
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Sean! A helpful way to think about career readiness is not just “What skills do employers want?” but also “What evidence do I have that I can actually use those skills?”
I would focus on a few core areas: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, professionalism, leadership, and self-management. Technical skills will depend on the career you choose, but these transferable skills are valuable in almost any field.
I also recommend doing a simple self-assessment. For each skill, ask yourself: Can I give a real example of when I used this? It could come from a class project, internship, volunteer experience, part-time job, student organization, or even a personal project.
For example, instead of simply saying “I have leadership skills,” being able to explain how you organized a project, helped resolve a problem, or supported a team makes that skill much more meaningful to an employer.
You don’t need to graduate feeling perfect in every area. Career readiness is something you continue developing throughout your professional life. Identify 2–3 areas you want to strengthen before graduation and look for experiences that allow you to practice them.
I hope this helps, and good luck with your career journey!
I would focus on a few core areas: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, professionalism, leadership, and self-management. Technical skills will depend on the career you choose, but these transferable skills are valuable in almost any field.
I also recommend doing a simple self-assessment. For each skill, ask yourself: Can I give a real example of when I used this? It could come from a class project, internship, volunteer experience, part-time job, student organization, or even a personal project.
For example, instead of simply saying “I have leadership skills,” being able to explain how you organized a project, helped resolve a problem, or supported a team makes that skill much more meaningful to an employer.
You don’t need to graduate feeling perfect in every area. Career readiness is something you continue developing throughout your professional life. Identify 2–3 areas you want to strengthen before graduation and look for experiences that allow you to practice them.
I hope this helps, and good luck with your career journey!
Yvette H
1
Answer
Updated
Yvette’s Answer
Hey there , I hope this is helpful, Of course Think of career readiness as learning how to be really good at your job.
*Career & Self-Development: Keep learning. Ask questions and learn from people who know more. Find a mentor with the brains and success .
Communication: Talk nicely (always keep your cool be professional) , clearly, and listen when other people are talking.
Critical Thinking: When there is a problem, stop and think, “What can I do to fix this?” When you have a solution before going to a superior it’s always a plus.
Equity & Inclusion: Always always Be kind and fair to everyone, even when they are different from you.
Leadership: Help your team, teach people, give good directions, and be someone others can depend on.
Professionalism: Come to work on time, do what you’re supposed to do, and take responsibility for your work.
Teamwork: Help each other. Everyone works together to get the job done.
Technology: Learn how to use the computer and other tools you need for your job this will be key , now days it’s all pretty much electronically.
Hope this helps .
16 years at a Cardiology Clinic
in Leadership. Started off in front office made it to leadership utilizing all the advice given above. Good luck and remember to always have a good attitude , be respectful and do your absolute best learn all you can , and you will get far with your career.
*Career & Self-Development: Keep learning. Ask questions and learn from people who know more. Find a mentor with the brains and success .
Communication: Talk nicely (always keep your cool be professional) , clearly, and listen when other people are talking.
Critical Thinking: When there is a problem, stop and think, “What can I do to fix this?” When you have a solution before going to a superior it’s always a plus.
Equity & Inclusion: Always always Be kind and fair to everyone, even when they are different from you.
Leadership: Help your team, teach people, give good directions, and be someone others can depend on.
Professionalism: Come to work on time, do what you’re supposed to do, and take responsibility for your work.
Teamwork: Help each other. Everyone works together to get the job done.
Technology: Learn how to use the computer and other tools you need for your job this will be key , now days it’s all pretty much electronically.
Hope this helps .
16 years at a Cardiology Clinic
in Leadership. Started off in front office made it to leadership utilizing all the advice given above. Good luck and remember to always have a good attitude , be respectful and do your absolute best learn all you can , and you will get far with your career.
Thank you so much, Yvette!
Sean
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
335
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Be ready to learn new things and available to take on new duties and tasks. Be interested in learning and perfecting the skills you have already. Leave personal issues outside of the work place and learn discretion. Good luck you will do well.
Anam Sadruddin, MSM, MBA
Risk Adjustment Manager
6
Answers
Anaheim, California
Updated
Anam’s Answer
Problem-solving and thinking creatively are important skills! While school often shows us standard methods, real life is more complex. You'll face many situations where you need to think differently to find answers. It's also important to know your weaknesses so you can ask for help when needed. When you do ask for help, be open to learning and use that knowledge in the future.