Career readiness is the foundation that empowers Monarchs to build the core skills, knowledge, and professional habits needed for success in the workplace and throughout their lifelong career journey.
For ODU students and new graduates, career readiness is essential for a strong transition into the workforce. It sets the stage for a thriving career built on confidence, competence, and a clear understanding of what employers are looking for. Career readiness is, quite simply, the new career currency that helps our Monarchs stand out.
Within higher education, career readiness provides a shared framework that connects classroom learning with real world application. It guides how curricular and co-curricular experiences support students in developing the abilities that matter across every major and industry.
For employers, career readiness offers a clear way to identify and evaluate the skills and strengths that translate into success on the job. It also serves as a roadmap for helping students grow through internships, job shadowing, research, and other hands-on learning opportunities.
ODU’s 8-to-Great Career Readiness Competencies reflect this shared commitment. They align with national standards while highlighting the Monarch experience, preparing all students to graduate confident, capable, and ready to make an impact.
Career and Self Development
Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.
Communication
Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with people inside and outside of an organization.
Critical Thinking
Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.
Equity and Inclusion
Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different cultures and backgrounds. Engage in anti-oppressive practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism and inequity.
Leadership
Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.
Professionalism
Knowing work environments differ greatly, understanding and demonstrating effective work habits, and acting in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
Teamwork
Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.
Technology
Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.