Students invest in higher education because they want to enhance their future career prospects with the skills and certifications they gain. But career readiness is more than just a degree. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) defines “career readiness” as:
“...a foundation from which to demonstrate requisite core competencies that broadly prepare the college-educated for success in the workplace and lifelong career management. For new college graduates, career readiness is key to ensuring successful entrance into the workforce. Career readiness is the foundation upon which a successful career is launched. Career readiness is, quite simply, the new career currency.”
That means new graduates aren’t considered “career ready” with a degree alone. While hard skills are critical, NACE points out that career readiness is the framework for higher education to help students reach career-related goals and achieve better outcomes across both academic and extracurricular activities, regardless of their specific area of study.
With a robust career readiness program, students will be able to develop essential soft skills, market themselves through resumes, stand out during recruiting and interviews, and navigate the future of work successfully.
