NACE Skills
High School to College: Best Practices
First Year Goals
Career Resources
Professionalism 101
100

This skill involves thinking carefully and creatively to find solutions to problems.

Critical Thinking / Problem Solving

100

The first step in preparing for college success is attending this type of program or event that introduces you to college resources.

Student Orientation 

100

A first-year goal often includes joining this type of group to meet people with similar interests.

Student club/organization/team

100

This online platform helps students search for internships, jobs, and career events.

Handshake

100

This office helps you with professional skills, such as communication, resume building, and interview prep. 

The Career & Self-Discovery Office 

200

Effectively  writing, speaking, and listening is called this NACE competency.

Communication 

200

Developing relationships with peers, professors, and staff early in college helps students build this type of capital.

Networking/social capital 

200

First-year students are encouraged to meet with this type of campus professional to discuss courses and academic plans.

Academic advisor 

200

This assessment tool helps students explore majors, careers, and personal strengths.

Focus 2

200

This form of communication should always be clear, polite, and free from slang when reaching out to professors, supervisors, or colleagues.

E-mail etiquette 

300

Using computers, software, or other tools effectively to complete tasks or solve problems shows this ability.

Technology 

300

Asking questions in class, seeking help when needed, and staying engaged demonstrates this essential college habit.

Active Participation / Engagement 

300

Attending events like workshops or panels helps you gain these skills outside the classroom.

Professional Skills

300

A document that lists your experiences, skills, and education is called this.

Resume 

300

Following up after a meeting or interview with this type of note shows courtesy and continued interest.

Thank You Letter or Thank You E-mail

400

This NACE skill emphasizes understanding personal strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth.

Professional/Self-Development 

400

This practice helps students balance academics, work, and extracurricular activities while avoiding burnout.

Time management or self-care 
400

During their first year, students can build their resume by participating in what type of professional opportunity?

Work Study or Volunteer

400

Practicing this type of conversation with a friend, mentor, or career coach can prepare you for a job interview.

Mock Interview 

400

Asking questions and seeking clarification when you don’t understand something demonstrates this professional behavior.

Initiative or responsibility

500

Working productively with diverse teams to achieve a common goal demonstrates this NACE competency.

Teamwork/collaboration 

500

Learning to use campus resources like the library, tutoring center, or writing lab demonstrates this skill.

Resourcefulness or self-advocacy

500

Participating in these professional experiences can help students gain leadership experience and develop professional skills.

Service Learning, Volunteer Work, or Internships 

500

This type of career event allows students to meet potential employers in person.

Career or Internship Fair 

500

The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and handle challenges in a workplace is known as this.

Flexibility or Adaptability

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