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Career Competencies
Gain experience through research, internships, campus jobs, leadership roles, and community involvement. Every opportunity helps you grow personally and professionally. At Stony Brook University, real-world engagement is at the heart of career readiness. It gives you the chance to explore your interests, strengthen your abilities, and prepare for life after college with confidence.
The Career Center provides access to many different resources to connect students and alumni to experiential opportunities. Experience is the most influential factor employers consider when deciding between two otherwise equally qualified job candidates.
As you build experience, you will also develop the key competencies employers seek most. These include Communication, Problem Solving, Technology, Leadership, and Time Management. They are essential across all industries and career paths. The Experience Guide includes Twelve Distinct Tiles that help you navigate easily and identify experience types that match your goals and interests. From coursework and global learning to service and on-campus jobs, each tile offers a clear path to growth.
You can also earn ACES digital skill badges to receive recognition for the competencies gained through experience. These badges demonstrate and validate your proficiency in skills most sought after by employers and graduate programs. They help you confidently showcase your strengths and make your experience count.
Whether you are just getting started or reflecting on past experiences, these resources help you identify your strengths, gain recognition, and tell your story with purpose. Your experiences matter. They are shaping a well prepared and confident future.
CAREER COMPETENCIES
Career Competencies represent power skills employers are looking for in candidates.
Communication
Communication involves clearly and effectively exchanging information through verbal,
written, and non-verbal means. This includes public speaking, active listening, and
crafting professional documents such as memos, reports, and emails. Strengthen this
skill by writing articles, participating in discussions, and practicing presentations.
Career & Self-Development
Career & Self-Development is the ongoing process of understanding your strengths,
skills, and interests to actively navigate your personal and professional growth.
Set achievable goals, seek feedback, pursue new learning opportunities, and take initiative
in managing your career journey.
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking is the ability to identify and respond to needs based on an understanding
of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information. Develop this
skill by asking thoughtful questions, evaluating evidence, solving problems creatively,
and reflecting on outcomes.
Equity and Inclusion
Equity & Inclusion involves demonstrating the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and
skills required to equitably engage and include people from different cultures and
backgrounds. It includes challenging systems of oppression and practicing inclusive
behaviors in both local and global settings.
Global Competence
Understanding and respecting different cultures, nationalities, races, ages, genders,
sexual orientations, and religions creates an inclusive environment for all to thrive
in. Participating in global experiences will assist you in learning about other cultures
and how they interact in the workplace.
Leadership
Leadership is the ability to recognize and leverage the strengths of others to achieve
common goals, while using interpersonal skills to coach, motivate, and guide. Build
this competency by taking initiative, mentoring peers, and learning from experienced
leaders.
Professionalism
Professionalism means demonstrating personal accountability, integrity, and effective
work habits. This includes punctuality, ethical behavior, and a strong work ethic.
Gain experience by engaging in internships, student employment, or volunteer roles
that require a high standard of conduct.
Teamwork
Teamwork is the ability to collaborate with others toward a common goal, valuing diverse
perspectives and shared responsibilities. Strengthen your skills by joining student
organizations, participating in group projects, or contributing to service-learning
and co-curricular activities.
Technology
Technology competency involves confidently and effectively using digital tools to
solve problems, complete tasks, and communicate. Stay current by learning new software,
adapting to emerging technologies, and applying digital solutions in academic or professional
settings.