NACE Career Readiness Competencies

Our Principles

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), through a task force of college career services and HR/staffing professionals, has identified eight competencies associated with career readiness. You can find more details about how they determined the eight final competencies here.)

All inclusions and support of the Virtual Internships Program has been designed to empower students to understand these skills as well as link them to their work experiences and outcomes. You can see the NACE Career Readiness Competencies throughout our program to include:

In our Intern and Supervisor Assessments
Throughout our Online Curriculum, CareerBridge
Within our Placement Project Plan, which is the job description and support document we match host companies and students with guiding the projects they will complete and skills they will be utilizing.
During our Internship Coaching calls where our trained coaches ask questions directly aligned to unpacking these crucial transferable skills
Within our fortnightly Global Employability Expert Series, which delivers a live 30-minute webinar exploring international careers, necessary skills, and best practices.

We have defined and unpacked the eight skills below and how we see these skills may appear within an internship to help guide interns and supervisors to better identify and apply the skills in oral or written feedback, on resume/CVs, future job interviews, and more.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness.

What Does This Look Like?

When the intern encounters a problem, the intern investigates to determine the root cause because the problem may be a symptom of a deeper issue.
When the intern runs into a problem at work, the intern first brainstorms a few ideas on their own before going to their supervisor.
When the intern is tasked with developing a plan, the intern gathers relevant and reliable data through research and considers potential implications.
When the intern encounters information during their research that disproves or sheds new light on what the intern previously thought, the intern is open to change.
If the intern is curious about something at work, the intern asks questions and pursues answers for those questions.
The intern verifies their data by checking for things like the source of the data and how the data was collected.
The intern looks at an issue from multiple points of view. The intern explores how the issue is perceived by others and how it affects different people and the intern considers alternative explanations and/or solutions.
The intern tests assumptions and looks for other options before choosing a course of action.

Oral and Written Communication

Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization. The individual has public speaking skills; is able to express ideas to others; and can write/edit memos, letters, and complex technical reports clearly and effectively.

What Does This Look Like?

When the intern encounters a problem, the intern investigates to determine the root cause because the problem may be a symptom of a deeper issue.
When the intern runs into a problem at work, the intern first brainstorms a few ideas on their own before going to their supervisor.
When the intern is tasked with developing a plan, the intern gathers relevant and reliable data through research and considers potential implications.
When the intern encounters information during their research that disproves or sheds new light on what the intern previously thought, the intern is open to change.
If the intern is curious about something at work, the intern asks questions and pursues answers for those questions.
The intern verifies their data by checking for things like the source of the data and how the data was collected.
The intern looks at an issue from multiple points of view. The intern explores how the issue is perceived by others and how it affects different people and the intern considers alternative explanations and/or solutions.
The intern tests assumptions and looks for other options before choosing a course of action.

What Does This Look Like?

When the intern writes a report on their project to be submitted to their supervisor, the intern organizes their report into clear sections and includes facts and figures necessary to support their findings.
The intern writes well-organized emails to clearly convey their points to their supervisor or colleagues.
The intern reads their email before the intern sends it, especially if it’s an important one.
When the intern is assigned to give a presentation to their internal team, and another one to the external partner, the intern adjusts their presentation and speech to fit the different audiences.
When their colleague is talking to them about an idea, the intern listens actively and asks clarifying follow-up questions to make sure the intern understands accurately.
The intern thinks about the audience, such as who they are, what they know, what they don’t know, and why they will be there.
The intern pays attention to how the intern speaks (e.g. their tone, volume, and body language) as well as what the intern says.
The intern prepares by writing/typing their points, practicing by themselves and/or in front of someone who can give me helpful feedback.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure and can negotiate and manage conflict.

What Does This Look Like?

When the intern joins a team project, the intern tries to learn people’s communication and working styles. Then the intern works to agree on team working norms so that we all have a shared understanding of how we will work together.
When their team member shares an idea that the intern doesn’t understand or agree with, the intern asks questions and tries to understand her point of view and how it adds value to the project.
When the intern has an idea to contribute to a team meeting, the intern considers how their idea will help achieve the goals of the meeting before sharing it with the team.
When the intern is done with their portion of the team project, the intern tactfully and respectfully asks if anyone else needs help or if the intern can take on more responsibilities.
When the intern is working on a project with people across different departments, the intern coordinates with them to create a timeline for decision-making and timely project completion.
the intern is aware of their role in their organization, and the intern knows how to function effectively within it.
When their colleague and the intern have different ideas about how to approach a project, the intern actively listens to the other view and the intern communicate their view. We come to an agreement to build a plan of action.
In a dispute, the intern identifies the differing needs and preferences of parties involved. Then the intern leverages those differences to negotiate a solution that can be mutually beneficial.
When there is conflict within their team, the intern facilitates open conversation to resolve it

Digital Fluency

Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. The individual demonstrates effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies.

What Does This Look Like?

When the intern joins a team project, the intern tries to learn people’s communication and working styles. Then the intern works to agree on team working norms so that we all have a shared understanding of how we will work together.
When their team member shares an idea that the intern doesn’t understand or agree with, the intern asks questions and tries to understand her point of view and how it adds value to the project.
When the intern has an idea to contribute to a team meeting, the intern considers how their idea will help achieve the goals of the meeting before sharing it with the team.
When the intern is done with their portion of the team project, the intern tactfully and respectfully asks if anyone else needs help or if the intern can take on more responsibilities.
When the intern is working on a project with people across different departments, the intern coordinates with them to create a timeline for decision-making and timely project completion.
the intern is aware of their role in their organization, and the intern knows how to function effectively within it.
When their colleague and the intern have different ideas about how to approach a project, the intern actively listens to the other view and the intern communicate their view. We come to an agreement to build a plan of action.
In a dispute, the intern identifies the differing needs and preferences of parties involved. Then the intern leverages those differences to negotiate a solution that can be mutually beneficial.
When there is conflict within their team, the intern facilitates open conversation to resolve it

What Does This Look Like?

The intern can learn to use and adopt a tool that their organization uses to communicate, collaborate, and store information, such as Google Drive, Trello, or Slack.
The intern can explore different functions in Excel for projects that require efficiency and precision such as creating a budget, organizing large data, and tracking expenses.
Before going to a different country, the intern identified and tried out apps and other digital tools that people in that country use in daily life.
If there is a digital tool or software that is new to the intern, the intern learns about it by reviewing online resources such as instructional manuals or demo videos. If the intern needs further assistance, the intern asks their supervisor or colleagues for help.

What Does This Look Like?

The intern can learn to use and adopt a tool that their organization uses to communicate, collaborate, and store information, such as Google Drive, Trello, or Slack.
The intern can explore different functions in Excel for projects that require efficiency and precision such as creating a budget, organizing large data, and tracking expenses.
Before going to a different country, the intern identified and tried out apps and other digital tools that people in that country use in daily life.
If there is a digital tool or software that is new to the intern, the intern learns about it by reviewing online resources such as instructional manuals or demo videos. If the intern needs further assistance, the intern asks their supervisor or colleagues for help.

Leadership

Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others. The individual is able to assess and manage his/her emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to guide and motivate; and organize, prioritize, and delegate work.

What Does This Look Like?

The intern understands the strengths and working styles of their supervisor and colleagues, and the intern knows whom to approach for different types of support.
When they’re doing a team project, the intern identifies the expertise and strengths of their team members in order to delegate effectively.
When the intern facilitates a group meeting, the intern structures the meeting in such a way that everyone’s voice can be heard.
The intern understands that trust is foundational to good teamwork, so the intern works to get to know their team members and gain their trust as the intern works with them.
The intern understands the “big picture” of their organization, and the intern understands how different pieces, including mine, fit together to achieve the larger mission.
The intern understands their personality when it comes to working with other people.
The intern is sensitive to the emotions of their peers, professors, and supervisor and aware of how their feelings could impact our work together.
They’re aware if they’re having a bad day personally, and the intern tries to be cognizant about how it affects their professional interactions.
When the intern encounters someone whose working style or communication style the intern finds off-putting or odd, the intern tries to understand where they’re coming from.
When a colleague or friend is talking to them, the intern gives their time and full attention to them, trying to put themselves in their shoes.
The intern pays attention to nonverbal cues expressed by others, such as their tone, pace of speech, and facial expressions.
The intern has a method or tool that they use to manage and stay on top of their tasks and schedule.
The intern can recognize when they have more work than they can complete and am comfortable dividing work among members of their team.

Professionalism and Work Ethic

Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. The individual demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.

What Does This Look Like?

The intern understands the strengths and working styles of their supervisor and colleagues, and the intern knows whom to approach for different types of support.
When they’re doing a team project, the intern identifies the expertise and strengths of their team members in order to delegate effectively.
When the intern facilitates a group meeting, the intern structures the meeting in such a way that everyone’s voice can be heard.
The intern understands that trust is foundational to good teamwork, so the intern works to get to know their team members and gain their trust as the intern works with them.
The intern understands the “big picture” of their organization, and the intern understands how different pieces, including mine, fit together to achieve the larger mission.
The intern understands their personality when it comes to working with other people.
The intern is sensitive to the emotions of their peers, professors, and supervisor and aware of how their feelings could impact our work together.
They’re aware if they’re having a bad day personally, and the intern tries to be cognizant about how it affects their professional interactions.
When the intern encounters someone whose working style or communication style the intern finds off-putting or odd, the intern tries to understand where they’re coming from.
When a colleague or friend is talking to them, the intern gives their time and full attention to them, trying to put themselves in their shoes.
The intern pays attention to nonverbal cues expressed by others, such as their tone, pace of speech, and facial expressions.
The intern has a method or tool that they use to manage and stay on top of their tasks and schedule.
The intern can recognize when they have more work than they can complete and am comfortable dividing work among members of their team.

What Does This Look Like?

When something happens that prevents the intern from getting into work on time, the intern contacts their supervisor right away to explain what’s going on.
The intern has a way of planning their schedule which includes setting priorities and dividing up work so that the intern can complete all their tasks and be at places on time.
The intern makes sure to build in time to de-stress to maintain balance in their life.
The intern follows through on the professional commitments that the intern makes. When it looks like the intern won’t be able to keep a promise, the intern let their team know as soon as possible and try their best to make the situation right.
When the intern is overwhelmed and the intern is not sure how the intern will complete an assignment by the deadline, the intern reaches out to their supervisor for help in planning.
As soon as the intern catches an error in the work I’ve submitted to the team, the intern let their team know and try to fix it as best as the intern can.
The intern manages their social media sites in such a way that their online presence matches how the intern wants to represent themselves to their future employers and colleagues.
Before the intern does something, the intern thinks about how their actions, behavior, and words will affect not only themselves but also their team and the community the intern works in.
The intern balances their personal life and professional life by evaluating what needs immediate action and what should wait until after work.
The intern is aware of their emotions if the intern is having a bad day personally, and the intern tries not to let it unfairly affect their interactions with others.
When the intern has made a mistake, the intern takes some time to reflect on it to think about what went wrong and what the intern can do differently next time.

Career Management

Identify and articulate one’s skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals, and identify areas necessary for professional growth. The individual is able to navigate and explore job options, understands and can take the steps necessary to pursue opportunities, and understands how to self-advocate for opportunities in the workplace.

What Does This Look Like?

The intern can tell someone their professional goals, and how the intern is working toward achieving them.
Before the intern starts an internship, the intern makes a plan that includes the skills the intern wants to build and goals the intern wants to achieve.
The intern has a plan for how the intern will apply what the intern studies at school to their internship.
Their resume/cv and digital presence (e.g. LinkedIn, Twitter) accurately reflect their skills and experience.
The intern periodically takes inventory of their skills and the intern knows what skills the intern needs to work on and what experiences the intern needs to gain in order to get a job that the intern wants.
The intern request informational interviews* from people whose career or career paths the intern wants to learn about.
The intern takes advantage of online and campus resources such as LinkedIn and the career center at their school to explore jobs and organizations.
The intern has a mentor or is seeking mentorship from someone whom the intern admires in the professional world the intern is interested in.
The intern approaches new people at an event to learn about their work and to talk about their work.
The intern makes sure to thank people who have given them opportunities to gain professional experience and grow.
The intern has an up-to-date LinkedIn page that clearly outlines their professional and educational experience, as well as their goals.
When the intern sees a project, the intern can contribute to at work, the intern initiates a conversation with their supervisor about how the intern can add value and how the intern could get involved.
When the intern doesn’t understand how their work fits into the larger mission of the organization or if the intern doesn’t feel fulfilled by their task, the intern initiates a conversation with their supervisor to voice their concerns.
If the intern doesn’t have enough resources (e.g. time, information) to complete their task, the intern asks for more support.

Global and Intercultural Fluency

Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. The individual demonstrates openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand individuals’ differences.

What Does This Look Like?

The intern can tell someone their professional goals, and how the intern is working toward achieving them.
Before the intern starts an internship, the intern makes a plan that includes the skills the intern wants to build and goals the intern wants to achieve.
The intern has a plan for how the intern will apply what the intern studies at school to their internship.
Their resume/cv and digital presence (e.g. LinkedIn, Twitter) accurately reflect their skills and experience.
The intern periodically takes inventory of their skills and the intern knows what skills the intern needs to work on and what experiences the intern needs to gain in order to get a job that the intern wants.
The intern request informational interviews* from people whose career or career paths the intern wants to learn about.
The intern takes advantage of online and campus resources such as LinkedIn and the career center at their school to explore jobs and organizations.
The intern has a mentor or is seeking mentorship from someone whom the intern admires in the professional world the intern is interested in.
The intern approaches new people at an event to learn about their work and to talk about their work.
The intern makes sure to thank people who have given them opportunities to gain professional experience and grow.
The intern has an up-to-date LinkedIn page that clearly outlines their professional and educational experience, as well as their goals.
When the intern sees a project, the intern can contribute to at work, the intern initiates a conversation with their supervisor about how the intern can add value and how the intern could get involved.
When the intern doesn’t understand how their work fits into the larger mission of the organization or if the intern doesn’t feel fulfilled by their task, the intern initiates a conversation with their supervisor to voice their concerns.
If the intern doesn’t have enough resources (e.g. time, information) to complete their task, the intern asks for more support.

What Does This Look Like?

When the intern is confused or surprised by something members of another culture say or do, the intern seeks information to understand why they do what they do.
By seeing themselves through other people’s lenses, the intern learns more about myself, including their values, their culture, and their history in the global context.
the intern has genuine relationships with people from another culture whom the intern can comfortably approach for advice or to check their understanding of their culture.
When the intern is working with a colleague from a different culture, the intern is aware that we could be experiencing and interpreting situations differently from each other based on our cultures and experiences.
When the intern is new to a different cultural environment, the intern observes people’s behaviors and interactions to better understand the culture’s norms and customs.
When the intern is expecting to have a meeting with a team from a different culture, the intern prepares in advance to engage with them effectively in that specific cultural context.
The intern understands that how the intern perceives the world is shaped by their own background, experiences, and culture. Therefore, when the intern meets someone from a different culture, the intern suspends their judgment because we may have different assumptions and norms.
When the intern is abroad, the intern seizes the opportunity to learn from daily interactions like taking public transit, ordering food, and asking for directions.
Rather than trying to get all the answers from one source, the intern learns from a variety of sources such as interactions with many members of that culture to get an understanding of a range of views within a culture.
When interacting with someone from a different cultural background, the intern asks themselves what would be important to them if the intern was in their shoes but with the awareness that their understanding may be incomplete or wrong.