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What are the top skills employers look for and how can I work on them?

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The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified eight essential Career Readiness Competencies. These competencies define what it means to be prepared for today’s workforce and are sought by employers. Often called “soft skills,” NACE uses the term “competencies” to highlight that these are measurable and developable abilities. However, these terms are often used interchangeably.

We’ll detail these key attributes that impress employers and provide ways for you to develop them, including suggested courses to help showcase your career readiness.

Important Notes:

  • Review the course bulletin each semester to confirm if suggested courses are being offered.
  • This is not an exhaustive list of courses for skill development.
  • Access LinkedIn Learning courses for free through your public library account.

Career & Self Development

Identify and articulate skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to your desired position and career goals. This also includes being able to identify areas necessary for professional growth.  

Ways to work on these skills:

  • Complete the Magner Career Center self-guided Career Readiness journal. This will help you build your career readiness throughout the academic semester.
  • Schedule an appointment with a career coach. They can help you map out your goals, identify your strengths, clarify your career path, and determine skills you should develop.
  • Join a campus club related to your career interest(s).
  • Attend Magner Career Center & club events to meet people with similar interests.
  • Complete this skills self-assessment to understand your current strengths and identify areas for further development.
  • Be open to constructive criticism and learn from it to improve yourself. For example, after a class presentation, review professor feedback closely and incorporate that feedback into your next assignment.

Courses you can take to help you work on these skills: 

  • BUSN 2000 Business and Finance in the Contemporary World
  • BUSN 2010 Professional Development and Success

Additional Resources:

Oral & Written Communication

This involves your ability to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in both written and oral forms. This includes strong public speaking skills, the capacity to express ideas to others, and the ability to write and edit clearly and effectively.

Ways to work on these skills:

Applicable to Both Oral and Written Communication:
  • Consider your audience and how they might perceive what you’re communicating. Before sending an email or speaking to a professor or manager, think about the appropriate tone, vocabulary, and level of formality. Follow our business etiquette page for help.
  • Practice reading and writing every day to become a stronger communicator, whether it be emails, for a blog or class assignments.
Applicable to Oral Communication:
  • Actively participate in your classes. Frequently raising your hand to ask questions or contribute to discussions is great practice for communicating.
  • When preparing a class presentation or speaking to a professor, focus on organizing your thoughts before you speak, and avoid acting on impulse.
  • Use the Brooklyn College Speech Clinic, which offers sessions to enhance your speech and presentation skills.
  • Join clubs such as Smooth Talkers & Toast Masters as they help with public speaking practice.
  • When presenting for your class or speaking with an employer, focus on speaking with confidence and poise. Practice speaking clearly, maintaining a clear, steady tone and pace. Also, be mindful of your body language and make good eye contact. If you need support with public speaking anxiety, Personal Counseling is available to help you build confidence.
  • Make good eye contact with your audience: when speaking, look directly at individuals in your audience to create connection and show engagement.

Applicable to Written Communication:

  • When conveying a message through writing, always proofread for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors. Consider using writing tools and resources available through the college like the Learning Center for additional support.
  • When trying to convey a message through writing, have a colleague review your work. Ask for feedback on clarity, grammar, and overall impact before submitting an important email or report.

Communication Skills (Oral) Courses:  

  • CASD 1707 Public Speaking 
  • CASD 2631 Crisis Communication 
  • COMM 1000 Survey Communication Studies  
  • COMM 1001 Introduction to Communication 
  • THEA 1101 Introduction to Acting 

Communication Skills (Written) Courses:

  • BUSN 3010 or TREM 2660 Business and Corporate Writing
  • CASD 1205 Modern Communication Theories
  • CASD 1627 Nonverbal Communication
  • CASD 1643 Visual Communication
  • COMM 1000 Survey Communication Studies
  • ENGL 1010 & 1012

Additional Resources: 

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving & Detail Oriented

This competency involves your ability to use reasoning to make decisions and overcome problems. It includes obtaining, interpreting, and using previous and new knowledge to make decisions, as well as enhancing your own way of thinking when you find faults.

Ways to work on these skills:

  • Attend campus wide events hosted by departments with guest speakers including the Presidential Lecture series.
  • Use university resources for deep learning. Beyond the internet, leverage the Brooklyn College’s databases, academic journals, and research guides to find new information and refine your analytical skills.
  • Ask clarifying questions in class and during office hours. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarity on instructions, concepts, or complex theories presented by your professors. If a task for a paper or project seems unclear, ask, “Could you give me an example of what a successful outcome looks like?” These questions should also be asked in the workplace.
  • Actively engage with course material. When reading textbooks, articles, or listening to lectures, don’t just passively absorb information. Dissect evidence, identify arguments, and continue to ask yourself “why” to dig deeper into problems. For example, if you’re researching a topic for a paper, ask “Why is this source credible?” or “What are the underlying assumptions of this theory?”
  • Listen! This may seem obvious, but are you listening to understand or listening to react? Understanding is essential in critical listening. In a classroom lecture, focus on comprehending the material entirely before formulating questions. In a meeting, spend time understanding all points of discussion.
  • Read industry news related to your major or career interests to understand real-world problems and solutions within different fields.
  • Be mindful of your own thinking process. As you analyze arguments and solve problems, reflect on your own biases and common “short cuts” in thinking. Being aware of these cognitive biases helps you approach problems more objectively.
  • Problem solving is all about being a part of taking on challenges to overcome them. If given a complex assignment, break it down into smaller, manageable steps rather than being overwhelmed.
  • Think about processes at your own place of employment and how you can improve them, suggest these changes to your manager. Not all changes will be able to be implemented, but it shows your critical thinking and contributions to the team.

Courses you can take to help you work on these skills: 

  • BUSN 3220 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Must be sophomore  
  • CASD 1618 Group Communication  
  • CASD 4646 Conflict and Negotiation
  • PHIL 2101 Introduction to Philosophy 
  • PHIL 2501 Philosophical Issues in Literature  
  • PHIL 3210 Reasoning 
  • PHIL 3204 Symbolic Logic 
  • PSYC 2530 Introduction to Cognitive Psychology

Additional Resources: 

Equity & Inclusion/Global/Intercultural Fluency & Able to Relate Well to Others

This competency emphasizes your ability to value, respect, and learn from all individuals, regardless of their background. Brooklyn College, with its incredibly diverse student body, naturally prepares students for this.

  • Talk to your classmates in your courses and avoid forming teams with classmates you already know.
  • Seek to understand the experiences of others from diverse backgrounds. Attend campus events that celebrate different cultures and/or join student groups focused on diversity and inclusion, such as the Black and Latino Male Initiative, LGBTQ+ Center, CUNY Edge, Immigrant Student Success Office, and the Women’s Center.
  • Consider a Study Abroad program to gain firsthand experience in a new culture and enhance your global and intercultural fluency.
  • Actively participate in discussions that explore different viewpoints. In group projects, ensure everyone’s voice is heard and valued, especially those who might be quieter. Ask questions to understand different perspectives.
  • Familiarize yourself with your company’s (or university’s) inclusion goals and policies. Understand why diversity is important for a productive environment.

Courses you can take to help you work on these skills: 

  • AFST 1001 Introduction to Contemporary Africa
  • AFST 1020 Introduction to African American Studies
  • AFST 1025 Introduction to Contemporary African American Culture
  • ANTH 1100 Culture and Society
  • ANTH 1105 Cultures & Transformations
  • ANTH 1300 People and Language
  • CASD 1114 Survey of Speech, Language, and Communication Disorders
  • CASD 1619: Intercultural Communication
  • CASD 4625 Gender and Communication
  • ENGL 2120 Overview of Literary Study I Representative Selections of World Literature
  • ENGL 2121 Overview of Literary Study II Representative Selections of World Literature
  • MLAN 2150 Intercultural Literacy and Competence
  • MUSC 3101 Music in Global America
  • PRLS 2105 New York Latin @ Culture and the Arts
  • PRLS 3105 Puerto Rican and Latin @ Cultural Formations
  • PSYC 3110 Psychology of Prejudice
  • PSYC 3120 Cultural Psychology
  • PSYC 3360 Psychology of Gender
  • SOCY 2600 Gender and Society
  • WGST 1001 Introduction to Women’s Studies: Sex, Gender, and Power

Additional Resources: 

Leadership & Taking Initiative

This involves your ability to motivate and influence others to achieve common goals, including assessing and managing your own emotions and those of others.

  • Join a student club and consider running for an e-board position or to organize an event. 
  • Run for a position in Student Government or become active with them.
  • Take on leadership roles in your class assignments or projects. Volunteer to be the group leader or the point person for a specific task.
  • Bring creative ideas to your tasks and actively contribute these ideas during discussions or meetings. For example, in a group project or meeting with a manager think about creative ways you can accomplish a goal.
  • Practice active-listening and take into account different suggestions, feedback, and ideas. Express to team members that their input is valued.
  • Motivate/energize others and create a positive work environment. Offer words of encouragement, celebrate small successes, and maintain an optimistic attitude.

Courses you can take to help you work on these skills: 

  • BUSN 3210 Organizational Behavior
  • BUSN 2010 Professional Development and Success
  • BUSN 3260 Leadership in Organizations
  • CASD 1205 Modern Communication Theories  
  • CASD 1608 Fundamentals of Interpersonal Communication  
  • CASD 1618 Group Communication  
  • PSYC 3140 Small Groups 
  • PSYC 2100 Social Psychology
  • PSYC 2300 Introduction to Personality
  • PHIL 3326 Moral Psychology  

Additional Resources:  

Professionalism/Work Ethic

This competency means you demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits. It involves integrity, ethical behavior, acting responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and being able to learn from mistakes.

  • Sign up for time management workshops with the Brooklyn College Personal Counseling Center.
  • The Personal Counseling Center offers resources for studying, managing anxiety, and test-taking, skills directly applicable to workplace tasks and deadlines.
  • Effectively communicate with your professors (or internship supervisors/team leaders) when you’re stuck and need help.
  • Maintain effective work habits by being organized, planning in advance, and managing your projects and assignments. Use your Brooklyn College Microsoft Outlook account and other tools to stay organized. Here are some Microsoft Outlook guides to help: Outlook Training from MS Office & Be Extraordinary, Top 20 Outlook Tips (Video).
  • Network with those around you and build relationships with fellow colleagues. Your classmates are members of your network as well – take the time to get to know them.
  • Approach work with both a positive and constructive attitude. If you face a challenging task, maintain a can-do attitude and ask for help. It is not a weakness asking for help!
  • Be self-aware, manage emotions, and accept feedback. If you receive feedback, avoid becoming defensive. Listen, ask clarifying questions, and implement the feedback for future projects you complete.

Courses you can take to help you work on these skills: 

  • BUSN 3251 Workplace Values and Happiness
  • BUSN 3252 Stress Management in Workplace Settings 
  • PHIL 3307 Global Ethics  
  • PHIL 3323 Virtue: Ideals of Human Goodness  
  • PHIL 3326 Moral Psychology  
  • SOCY 3607 Working 9-5 The Sociology of Work in the U.S.
  • SOCY 3609 Balancing Acts

Additional Resources:  

Teamwork/Collaboration

This competency focuses on your ability to build relationships with others from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints and to manage conflict effectively.

  • Attend campus events, and club meetings to meet new people.
  • Volunteer to help a campus club organize an event.
  • Join an on-campus sports team to experience collaborative goal-setting and problem-solving in a dynamic team environment.
  • Take the time to get to know classmates and club members, understanding their perspectives and interests.
  • When working in groups listen to different ideas, be respectful, and encourage discussion. During brainstorming sessions, ensure everyone has a chance to share their thoughts without interruption, especially those who are quieter.
  • If you notice a teammate struggling to complete parts of their project offer support or guidance.
  • Practice honesty and integrity in all your group projects. Be truthful about your contributions and challenges. 

Courses you can take to help you work on these skills: 

  • AMST 1010 American Identities  
  • ANTH 1100 Culture and Society 
  • BUSN 3245 Managing a Global Workforce  
  • BUSN 3220 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution 
  • BUSN 3210 Organizational Behavior 
  • CLAS 1618 Group Communication 
  • CLAS 2109 Self and Society 
  • COMM 1001 Introduction to Communication 
  • PHIL 3308 Race, Justice, and Equality  
  • SOCY 1101 Introduction to Sociology  

Additional Resources:

Digital Technology, Analytical/Quantitative Skills & Technical Skills

This competency involves your ability to leverage technologies to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals, demonstrating adaptability to new and emerging technologies.

  • Attend and engage in workshops that the Brooklyn College Library hosts.
  • Enroll in Brooklyn College courses that help you gain in-demand technical skills, whether as electives or major requirements.
  • Stop by office hours to ask professors about in-demand tech tools for your field of interest. Be sure to ask industry professionals as well!
  • Work on projects that challenge your technical skills – use technology and different programs you’re unfamiliar with, perhaps for a class assignment or a personal project. Learn more on how to practice these projects & skills by visiting our skill development webpage.
  • Employers often organize events where they teach students about in-demand skills: attend and actively engage in these events.
  • Be active on professional social media platforms (like LinkedIn) to learn about emerging technologies and industry trends. Follow companies and thought leaders in fields that interest you.

Courses you can take to help you work on these skills: 

  • BUSN 3110 New Media and Business
  • BUSN 3240 Management Information Systems 
  • BUSN 3440 Management of New and Emerging Technologies
  • CASD 2615 or TREM 2615 Social Media Communication  
  • CISC 1050 Introduction to Computer Applications  
  • CISC 1530 Electronic Commerce
  • COMM 1001 Introduction to Communication 
  • COMM 3000 Orality, Literacy, and Computer Technology

References

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