Career-ready individuals are careful in accepting and using new

information to make decisions, change practices or inform strategies. They

use a reliable research process to search for new information. They evaluate

the validity of sources when considering the use and adoption of external

information or practices. They use an informed process to test new ideas,

information and practices in their workplace situation.

Career-ready individuals consistently act in ways that positively

influence others in the workplace. They have a clear understanding of

integrity and act on this understanding in every decision. They use a variety

to improve a team or organization, and they apply insights into human behavior to change others'

actions, attitudes and/or beliefs. They recognize the near-term and long-term

effects that management's actions and attitudes can have on productivity,

morale and organizational culture.

Career-ready individuals take personal ownership of their own educational and career goals, and they regularly act on a plan to attain these goals. They recognize the value of each step in the educational and experiential process, and they recognize that nearly all career paths require ongoing education and experience. They seek counselors, mentors and other experts to assist in the planning and execution of career and personal goals.

Career-ready individuals find and maximize the productive value of existing

and new technology to accomplish workplace tasks and solve workplace

problems. They are flexible and adaptive in acquiring and using new

technology. They are proficient with ubiquitous technology applications. They

understand the inherent risks -- personal and organizational -- of technology

applications, and they take actions to prevent or mitigate these risks.

Career-ready individuals readily recognize problems in the workplace,

understand the nature of the problem, and devise effective plans to solve the

problem. They are aware of problems when they occur and take action

quickly to address the problem. They thoughtfully investigate the root cause

of the problem prior to introducing solutions. They carefully consider the

options to solve the problem. Once a solution is agreed upon, they follow

through to ensure the problem is solved, whether through their own actions

or the actions of others.

Career-ready individuals positively contribute to every team whether formal

or informal. They apply an awareness of cultural differences to avoid barriers

to productive and positive interaction. They find ways to increase the

engagement and contribution of all team members. They plan and facilitate effective team meetings.

Career-ready individuals understand the obligations and responsibilities of

being a member of a community, and they demonstrate this understanding

every day through their interactions with others. They are conscientious of

the impacts of their decisions on others and the environment around them.

They think about the near-term and long-term consequences of their actions

and seek to act in ways that contribute to the betterment of their teams,

families, community and workplace. They are reliable and consistent in going

beyond the minimum expectation and in participating in activities that serve

the greater good.

Career-ready individuals use the knowledge and skills

learned from experience and education to be more productive. They

make connections between abstract concepts with real-world applications

and they make correct insights about when it is appropriate to apply the use

of an academic skill in a workplace situation.

Career-ready individuals regularly practice healthy diet, exercise and mental health

activities. Career-ready individuals also take regular action to contribute to

their personal financial well-being, understanding that personal financial

security provides the peace of mind required to contribute more fully to their

own career success.

Career-ready individuals use written, verbal and/or visual methods to communicate in the workplace with clarity and purpose to make maximum use of their own time. They are excellent writers; they master conventions, word choice and organization and use effective tone and presentation skills to articulate ideas. They are skilled at interacting with others; they are active listeners and speak clearly and with purpose. Career-ready individuals think about the audience for their communication and prepare accordingly to ensure the desired outcome.

Career-ready individuals are aware

of and utilize new technologies, understandings, procedures, materials and

regulations affecting the nature of their work as it relates to the impact on

the social condition, the environment and profitability of the organization.

Career-ready individuals regularly think of ideas that solve problems in new and different ways, and they contribute those ideas in a useful and productive manner to improve their organization. They can consider unconventional ideas and suggestions as solutions to issues, tasks or problems, and they discern which ideas and suggestions will add greatest value. They seek new methods, practices and ideas from a variety of sources and seek to apply those ideas to their own workplace. They take action on their ideas and understand how to bring innovation to an organization.