Career Readiness for Students

Career readiness is a foundation of core competencies that broadly prepare you for success in the workplace. These eight competencies are sought after by employers from all industries and desired from all majors. Learn more about the definitions and sample behaviors.

  • Career & Self-Development
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Equity & Inclusion
  • Leadership
  • Professionalism
  • Teamwork
  • Technology

Build Career Readiness Skills

A Mizzou education provides you with the knowledge, skills, and experiences that will serve as a springboard for success long after you graduate with your degree.  To help you communicate your Mizzou advantage, we encourage you to engage in the following career readiness activities:

1) Assess Your Career Readiness with Focus 2 

Take the Focus 2  Am I Career Ready?  module to evaluate to what degree you have developed each of the eight career competencies. You’ll receive an assessment based on your responses to questions and suggestions on how to further develop each competency.  You can take the module as many times as you like to note your progress. We also encourage students to schedule a meeting with a Career Specialist to discuss the results.

2) Consult Career Readiness Guides 

These guides offer simple, practical steps you can take to shape your career development journey. To become more career ready, don’t just skim the information – act on it!   

3) Reflect on your College Experience 

Complete the career readiness reflection worksheet, documenting the ways in which you have demonstrated career competencies in and out of the classroom. Map the skills and knowledge you have acquired through classes, campus involvement, employment and service.