Career Readiness

Are you career ready?  What does that mean?  Learn more here about the skills and competencies that employers seek and expect from qualified candidates, and also ways to build those skills through resources provided by Pitt.

At the University of Pittsburgh, we know learning happens beyond the classroom.  We also know employers want more than just soft skills; they want individuals with the mindsets that lead to growth in their career.  This is where skill development comes in – and we’re here to help!  In 2015, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) launched an initiative to introduce 8 career competencies every college student should have upon entering the workforce.

Assess your Career Readiness!

New to Pitt in fall 2025, students may conduct a career readiness assessment.

  • Open the Career Readiness Assessment here. This may direct you to open the Suitable app on your mobile device or via the my.pitt.edu portal.
  • Once you get your results, you may review them with a career consultant, or you can look below to find examples of behaviors to help you increase your career readiness for each competency.
  • Explore on-demand LinkedIn Learning courses and videos on this page to develop and master these essential skills defined by the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE). LinkedIn Learning is free for all enrolled University of Pittsburgh students and faculty/staff with an active Pitt email. 

NACE Career Competencies

Proactively develop oneself and one’s steps to career success.

Examples:

  • Take assessments at the Career Center
  • Engage in opportunities like clubs and research
  • Get to know professors and upper class students who know stuff you want to know!

LinkedIn Learning Training Modules to support your development

Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives verbally and in writing.

Examples:

  • Research and present topics for class assignments
  • Join clubs that engage in regular group discussions
  • Utilize the writing center to enhance your writing skills

LinkedIn Learning Training Modules to support your development

Identify and respond to the needs of a situation with logical analysis and good judgment for effective solutions.

Examples:

  • Join a club that works on complex projects
  • Volunteer to assist a professor with their research work
  • Take a philosophy, literature or political science class

LinkedIn Learning Training Modules to support your development

Demonstrate awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills to equitably engage and include people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Examples:

  • Participate in multi-cultural programs and activities
  • Take a class on social justice topics
  • Join clubs that make equity and inclusion a priority

LinkedIn Learning Training Modules to support your development

Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to motivate others to succeed with defined goals.

Examples:

  • Get involved in student government
  • Be a leader on school projects
  • Become a tutor or peer mentor
  • Participate in leadership development programs on campus
  • Lead a team in a community service project

LinkedIn Learning Training Modules to support your development

Understand that environments differ greatly. Demonstrate effective work habits for the larger community and workplace.

Examples:

  • Work part-time on campus and model professional behaviors
  • Become a TA for a professor
  • Develop a relationship with your career consultant
  • Conduct an informational interview with a professional

LinkedIn Learning Training Modules to support your development

Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals.

Examples:

  • Join a club and engage in activities that support the community
  • Learn to work well with others on school projects
  • Join club sports or a debate team

LinkedIn Learning Training Modules to support your development

Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.

Examples:

  • Become an expert in a technology that interests you
  • Learn to create a digital portfolio of your class assignments and experiences
  • Learn data analysis tools
  • Train yourself in Excel through LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning Training Modules to support your development

View the full guide here:

nace-career-readiness-competencies-revised-apr-2024Download

Wondering where to start developing your skills?  Pitt’s Outside the Classroom Curriculum (OCC) is a great way to add structure to your college experience by identifying programs, events, and activities that align with career competencies.  By downloading the Suitable mobile app, you can see upcoming activities in Career Preparation, Leadership Development, Global and Cultural Engagement, Communication Skills, and more!  Don’t forget to also check out the Career Ready Guide – an interactive study guide that dives deeper into the NACE competencies.

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Sidebar

Skill Development Resources

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No matter where you live around the world, there is a member of the Pitt Network ready to connect with …

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Career Center In-Person Services

  • 200 William Pitt Union
  • 412-383-4473
  • Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
  • Drop-In Hours: Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Career Center Virtual Services

Meet the Team

Career Consultants
Experiential Learning
Employer Relations
Operations
Leadership and Administration

This site contains information that may be of interest to students, alumni and other stakeholders. Sharing information about these events, programs, or activities does not indicate endorsement or sponsorship of the activity or event. The participant must apply due diligence, exercise caution when participating, and report concerns to the Career Center at careers@pitt.edu.