Skill Development

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.

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 in the resources below – an interactive study guide that dives deeper into the NACE competencies.

2025 Career Center Events

Got a new planner! Break it in by saving the dates for these Spring 2025 Career Center events. Additional details will be posted in Handshake over the course of the term.

Internship Week, January 27-30

Government & Non-Profit Networking Night, …

By Alyson Kavalukas
Alyson Kavalukas Assistant Director
Read more

Life After Pitt: Essential Tips for Navigating your Job Search Journey

As you approach the final stretch of your college journey, the looming question of what comes next can feel both exciting and overwhelming. With graduation on the horizon, it’s time to dive into the job search process and kickstart your …

By Ingrid Beute
Ingrid Beute Career Consultant, Engineering & Science & Career Champions Program Coordinator
Read more

Find A Job That Aligns With Your Values With These 5 Steps

Nearly two-thirds of employees are potentially leaving their jobs over the next year due to lack of alignment between their values and that of their employers, Amba’s Generation Gap: Understanding The Priorities of The Gen-Z Workforce 2022 report revealed.

Why?

By Rachel Wells
Read more

5 Ways To Build Career Resilience During Uncertain Times

Building Career Resilience

It’s no secret that the past few years have been filled with its fair share of stressors. The American Psychological Association defines resilience as “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, …

By Alissa Clark
Alissa Clark
Read more

Considering a Gap Year? Maximize your Potential by Pausing with Purpose

Are you feeling uncertain about diving straight into a career or grad school after college? Graduating from college is a significant milestone, but it doesn’t mean you have to jump straight into a career or grad school. Taking a gap …

By Ingrid Beute
Ingrid Beute Career Consultant, Engineering & Science & Career Champions Program Coordinator
Read more

Sidebar

Skill Development Resources

Positive Interview Skill-Building Action Plan

This structured, daily practice plan will facilitate building skills to manage anxiety, enhance confidence, improve …

Pitt Career Resources

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

Skill Development Resources

Career Center Partners