Finding a career path

This interlinked set of competencies involves analyzing issues, making decisions, and overcoming problems. Since there are usually multiple valid points of view, interpretations, and/or solutions; there is room for originality and inventiveness here. People good at thinking critically and solving problems know how to obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data to reach a goal or outcome. They then use their communication skills to clearly and concretely explain their contributions to others.

Often, conforming to a high standard of conduct is not about clear-cut right and wrong decisions. Acting ethically is always the right thing to do, but it’s not always easy to determine and then explain what that “right thing” is. Growing your ability to collect and evaluate information, develop alternatives, and foresee potential consequences will be a career-long progression. Some key skill sets for ethical decision making are: assessing the moral implications of a course of action; generating and sustaining trust; demonstrating respect and responsibility; valuing fairness and caring; and being consistent with the requirements of good citizenship.

Cultivate the practice of looking at the world differently, generating new ideas, and making connections between things that seem to be unrelated. This competency engages your originality and requires energy to take a leap, try new things, and go beyond conventional approaches.

In organizations, most everybody is both a leader and follower depending upon the circumstances. Leadership is the ability to leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals. A good leader guides and motivates; they often serve to organize, prioritize, and delegate work. Followership is the ability to take direction well; to be part of a team and to deliver on what is expected. Good followers are diligent, motivated, and pay attention to detail.

The cultivation of positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers and an understanding of their perspectives, insights, and diverse viewpoints. This competency requires a person to consider the needs, abilities, and goals of each group member. The individual is able to work easily within a team structure, and can negotiate and manage conflict civilly.

Human beings are a complex species, and no one person will ever have complete mastery of the myriad dimensions of cultural competence. Yet, curiosity about the worth, dignity, and potential of everyone by honoring diversity and promoting social justice is critical to being equipped for the 21st century. Creating an inclusive environment involves not only respecting multiple worldviews, but also challenging individual biases, and participating in what may be difficult dialogues. Working toward anti-racism means grasping the subtle role of race in our personal and professional everyday life. Effective community and institutional change can only happen when those who serve as agents of transformation understand the foundations of race and racism.

Actively build an awareness of how communities impact individuals, and in turn, how individuals then impact, serve, and shape communities. Professionally, your Community Engagement involves creating or participating in partnerships and coalitions to help serve as catalysts for identifying and addressing issues affecting well-being, and to influence change in policies, programs, and practices for the good of all.

The effective use of existing technologies to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. Someone who demonstrates this competency is willing to learn to utilize new tools, adapt, and keep up with emerging technologies.

Actively engage in an ongoing process of exploring opportunities, gaining experience, and building skills. Being effective at career management will help you know and be ready to articulate how personal strengths and qualities, combined with and shaped by their liberal arts education, lead to career success. A curiosity about the world of work and a willingness to invest in networking connections, will lead to growing confidence and a meaningful, resilient career.