Are you CAREER READY?
Welcome back! Mastery of the eight career readiness competencies will enable a student to successfully “land” any entry-level position for a college graduate. It is critical that these competencies be practiced, refined, and mastered during an individual’s college years.
The second of the eight competencies is Oral and Written Communication. NACE defines this as the following: Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside the organization. The individual has public speaking skills; is able to express ideas to others; and can write and edit memos, letters, and complex technical reports clearly and effectively.
Developing oral and written communication skills are easy on a college campus, during an internship, or when serving as a member of a club, team, or organization. The ability to articulate your thoughts both in written form or orally are critical to career readiness. Opportunities during college to practice and refine these skills can be found daily, and areas of weakness should be identified. Taking a writing class that will challenge your skills, scheduling regular appointments at the Academic Success Center, and doing formal presentations will help you master these communication skills.
The following is a brief list of ways to practice oral and written communication skills:
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- Write clear and concise documents
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- Create and edit written reports for a club or organization
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- Develop a presentation where ideas are expressed in a well thought-out manner
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- Find opportunities to practice public speaking
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- Learn to adjust communications to your audience
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- Listen well and observe body language
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- Articulate your thoughts and check for spelling and grammar
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- Take a writing or communications course as an elective
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- Master technology that will help you express yourself
- Volunteer to be the spokesperson for a group, club, or organization
So, if you want to “land” your dream job right out of college — master oral and written communication skills now through challenging academic courses, enrolling in an internship, and participating in activities outside of the classroom.
Patrick J. Clifford is the Director of Career & Professional Development at Albertus Magnus College. He has degrees from both Fairfield and Southern Connecticut Universities and is a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Connecticut.