Do you wonder how to develop career readiness skills while in college? IUB Luddy Career Services is here to help!
This worksheet is designed to guide you through the pathway to professionalism, focusing on areas such as professional identity, experience, networking, and skills development. By completing these checklist items, you can better prepare for success in your transition from student to professional life.
Personal identity or personal branding refers to the process of defining and communicating your unique value proposition, expertise, and reputation to differentiate yourself from others in your field. Personal identity encompasses various elements such as your online presence, professional image, skills, and experiences.
Overall, personal identity empowers you to take ownership of your career, position yourself strategically in the marketplace, and achieve your professional goals. It is an essential aspect of career management and long-term success in today’s interconnected world. This process fosters self-awareness of your competencies, allowing you to reflect on your working style and preferences. Moreover, your
professional identity aids in assessing how your strengths and weaknesses align with particular roles, organizations, and industries.
Assessment: Identify your professional strengths and weaknesses by taking an assessment. Our office recommends the CliftonStrengths assessment. On the Gallup website, you can either purchase the code for the assessment, or buy the book (which includes the code in the back cover). Alternatively, if you take the Y395 Career Development Course at IUB Luddy, you will take this Strengths assessment as part of the course at no cost to you.
Headshot: Get a professional looking headshot taken at one of IUB Luddy Career Services headshot events. Visit Handshake for specific dates and times.
LinkedIn: Build a complete LinkedIn professional profile to include photos, resume, and a brief but descriptive “about” section.
Portfolio: Consider whether developing a professional portfolio or website would strengthen your professional identity and initiate the creation process.
Worksheet: Complete the “Finding and Describing your Professional Why” worksheet to gain insight into the motivations behind your decisions and to tailor your materials accordingly.
College is not only an opportunity to hone your technology skills, it also is a time to foster meaningful professional relationships by participating in networking events, career fairs, and industry gatherings; and to seek mentorship from experienced professionals to gain valuable insights and guidance.
Networking event: Participate in at least one in-person networking event. Visit Handshake for a complete listing of upcoming IUB Luddy Career Services networking events.
In-person Career Fair: Attend one in-person career fair. Opportunities may be found in Handshake.
Virtual Career Fair: Register and attend a virtual career fair. Opportunities may be found in Handshake.
Conferences: Research student opportunities to attend professional career or industry conferences.
Expand Network: Expand your professional network by connecting with IUB Luddy Career Services and four other professionals on LinkedIn. The professionals you select should be career or industry professionals.
LinkedIn: Follow at least 10 companies on LinkedIn. Choose companies within your prospective industry.
Alumni: Reach out to one IUB Luddy alumni (via LinkedIn or the Luddy Alumni Directory) and request an informational interview.
Club & Organization: Join a career-related student club or organization at IU.
Mentoring Programs: Explore mentoring programs at IU.
It is crucial to prioritize professional skill development as you prepare for your future career. By becoming aware of the 8 NACE Competencies, which are derived from a yearly Job Outlook survey, students can gain insight into the qualities that employers value most in employees. These competencies include critical thinking, communication, teamwork, technology, leadership, professionalism, career & self-development, and equity & inclusion.
To enhance your communication skills, we encourage you to participate in career-related and professional activities. Additionally, staying informed about industry trends and developments is essential for remaining competitive in the job market. By keeping abreast of changes in your desired career field, you can adapt your skills and knowledge to meet the evolving needs of employers and stand out among your peers.
Self-Assessment: Take the IUB Luddy NACE Competencies Self-Assessment
Resume Review: Schedule a resume review with a Luddy Career Coach or join the IUB Luddy Career Services Resume Review Skill Build. See Handshake for event date and time of the Skill Build or to schedule an individual resume review with a Luddy Career Coach.
Elevator Pitch: Create your elevator pitch (professional introduction) and practice it in at least one setting. To join the IUB Luddy Career Services Elevator Pitch Skill Build session or schedule an elevator pitch session with a Luddy Career Coach, visit Handshake!
Mock Interview: Participate in a mock interview. To join the IUB Luddy Career Services Mock Interview Skill Build session, visit Handshake and register!
LinkedIn Learning: Boost your knowledge, abilities, and skills by engaging in LinkedIn Learning which is provided free by Indiana University to all current students.
Leadership: Accept a leadership role in an organization or team.
This resource was developed, in part, utilizing information from Career Development Professionals of Indiana, INC. (CDPI)
Whether you’re a freshman looking to explore career paths or a senior on the job hunt, our team has the resources and expertise to assist as you enter the workforce.
Visit Handshake to set up a coaching appointment or to register for one of our events. Our office is open 9am – 4pm Monday through Friday.
Phone: 812-856-4903 | Email: luddycareers@indiana.edu
