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COOP 101: Introduction to Career Practices - Textbook

Section 2: Employable Skills

Learning Outcomes:

  • Student will know what NACE means.
  • Students will be able to list the type of skills that employers seek.
  • Student will be able to categorize soft and hard skills.
  • Students will be able to assess and identify their skill set.

Introduction:

“Your hard skills help you acquire employment, and your soft skills help you ensure your employability. Hence, integrate hard and soft skills to fast-track your career.”  - Professor M.S. Rao

 

What are employers looking for in individuals they would like to have as employees? Employers want to hire individuals who have skills that would enhance their company. These skills are called 'employable skills'. What are employable skills? When a person has employable skills, it increases the productivity, finances, and status of a company. These skills may range from technical expertise to interpersonal abilities and equips individuals with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace and contribute effectively to their teams and organizations. These skills include proficiency in software applications, data analysis, and programming languages.

Employable skills also encompass a wide array of interpersonal and soft skills (also referred to as transferable skills) that are valued in the workplace. Critical thinking, leadership, communication, teamwork, adaptability, and being courteous are just examples of these essential competencies. These people skills not only foster a positive work environment, but they also contribute to innovation, creativity, and organizational success. By cultivating a well-rounded skill set that combines technical expertise with strong interpersonal abilities is the key to thriving in today's highly competitive and evolving job market.

Employable skills are essential for staying competitive and adaptable in today's job landscape. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) is an organization that provides information on the type of skills employers are seeking in today's employment market. This is a professional organization that focuses on career development and employment skills. NACE also provides information on how students can transition from academia to the workforce.

Readings & Watch Video Assignment:

 

Section 2: Submission Assignment

Submission Assignment:

  1. Do you know the type of skills employers are seeking in employees? In a Microsoft Word document write down three hard skills and three soft skills that you think would make a person more employable or useful to a business.

  2. Identify YOUR Skills – Assessment (Career Onestop).

Submit your Word document and the results of skill assessment in the Brightspace location designated by your professor.

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