Get Career Ready!
Career readiness is the process of preparing for the workforce and developing skills to be successful in your career. Career readiness competencies includes both content skills (such as proficiency in specific software or tools) and transferable, essential skills (such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving).
What is career readiness?
Participating in activities that build career readiness skills imparts experience and confidence. Being intentional about career readiness also equips you to identify and articulate your skills for employers in your resumes, cover letters, interviews, online profiles, and networking conversations.
Why is career readiness important?
Career readiness is important because it helps you succeed in the job search and positions you for the future you want. It also helps you develop a growth mindset for success throughout your career. Employers are more likely to hire people who they believe are career ready.
Career Readiness Competencies
The National Association of Colleges and Employers worked with employers to identify 8 core competencies that will equip college graduates to successfully transition to the workplace.
Career Readiness Worksheets
Consider where and how have you developed the competencies above. Which competencies would you like to develop further during your time at UCI? Use this worksheet to guide your progress in the 8 competency areas.
UCI Career Development Process

Self-Assessment
Sample Action Steps:
- Take Focus 2 or My Next Move career assessments
- Get involved with student clubs, volunteer, explore hobbies
- Graduate students: Imagine PhD, Beyond Prof
Career Exploration
Sample Action Steps:
- Explore Occupational Outlook Handbook, Onet
- Visit What can I do with this major?
- Watch Career panels
- Vault career guides
- Conduct Informational Interviews
- Network: Linkedin UCI alumni search, The Anteater Network
- The Forage virtual work experience programs
Decision Making
Sample Action Steps:
- Evaluate and reflect upon your career research to narrow down options
- Talk with family, support circle; continue networking
- Develop a resume and search Handshake to gain experience
Self-Marking/Action
Sample Action Steps:
- Update and finalize your Resume
- Utilize Big Interview
- Practice One-minute introduction
- Search for jobs and internships on Handshake
- Attend Career fairs, employer information sessions
- Explore UCI Internship programs
- Consider Graduate school planning