Are you CAREER READY?
Welcome back! Last month, we discussed the second of the eight National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) career readiness competencies — Oral and Written Communication. Reading about this competency may have encouraged you to volunteer to lead a group presentation in one of your classes or make an appointment with the Writing Center. It is important to remember that mastery of the eight career readiness competencies will enable a student to successfully “land” any entry-level position for a college graduate.
The third of the eight competencies is Teamwork and Collaboration. NACE defines this as the following: Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within
a team structure and can negotiate and manage conflict.
There are many opportunities during college to engage in teamwork and collaboration. The need to build collaborative relationships and the understanding of others’ viewpoints is critical to working on a team. Most non – and for – profit companies involve employees working in multiple work groups and employers need individuals who can collaborate and achieve a common goal. The need to understand and appreciate multicultural diversity and manage conflict are also critical skills to master. Opportunities to master these skills can be gained through participating in clubs, a performance group, student government, or as a member of an athletic team.
The following is a brief list of ways to practice teamwork and collaboration:
- Collaborate with others on a team project
- Sharpen skills in
group facilitation by running a group or project - Run for an elected office or volunteer to run a club or organization
- Organize a special event on campus for the school community
- Participate as a member of an athletic team or play an intramural sport
- Work at an internship site that will allow you to collaborate with others
- Join groups that represent diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, relations, lifestyles and viewpoints
- Serve as an RA in a residence hall on campus
- Work at a part-time job on or off campus that will enable you to work closely with others
- Highlight activities on your résumé that involve teamwork
- Be the first to volunteer for a service program and showcase team effort
The goal of “landing” that dream job after graduation involves mastering the art of teamwork and collaboration through your interactions both inside and 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 Licenced Professional Counselor in the State of Connecticut.