CAREER READINESS x GLOBAL COMPETENCE

 

Employers look for college grads who know how to articulate their skills, talents, interests and strengths. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified eight key career readiness competencies that employers are looking for. A close look at the NACE Equity & Inclusion competence reveals that Global Competence is at the root of it. 

What does Global Competence look like? Global Competence is the capacity to examine local, global and intercultural issues with open mind to diverse ideas and new ways of thinking.  This means having the awareness, attitude, knowledge and skills required to engage in open, appropriate and effective interactions with people from different cultures which lead to appreciation and understanding of the perspectives and world views of others. 

How do I develop these skills? Start engaging in each of the four domains that are part of the U.S. Department of Education's Framework for Developing Global and Cultural Competencies. 

  • Collaboration & Communication: Critical and creative thinkers, who can apply understanding of diverse cultures, beliefs, economies, technology and forms of government in order to work effectively in cross-cultural settings to address societal , environmental or entrepreneurial challenges.
  • World & Heritage Languages: Proficient in at least two languages.
  • Diverse Perspectives: Aware of differences that exist between cultures, open to diverse perspectives, and appreciative of insight gained through open cultural exchange.
  • Civic & Global Engagement: Able to operate at a professional level in intercultural and international contexts and to continue to develop new skills and harness technology to support continued growth.

Collaboration & Communication

What it looks like: strong socio-emotional and leadership skills with emphasis on multi-cultural understanding and working with diverse groups --> ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with people in cross-cultural settings. 

How to develop it:

World & Heritage Languages

What it looks like: proficiency in at least one language other than your primary language spoken at home --> ideally developing advanced proficiency that enables you to work or study in a different language. 

How to develop it: 

Diverse Perspectives

What it looks like: Deepening local and global knowledge and understanding, including through classes, projects, study abroad and virtual exchange --> Highly developed ability to analyze and reflect on issues from diverse perspectives.

How to develop it:

Civic & Global Engagement

What it looks like: Engaging in civic and global issues --> Demonstrated ability for meaningful engagement in a wide range of civic and global issues to be successful in one’s own discipline/specialty in a global context.

How to develop it:

  • Check out the dozens of opportunities through Community Engagement & Leadership, including service projects, workshops, community dialogues and alternative spring breaks! 
  • Have you thought about getting involved in student government with ASOSU?