🔹 What is a “competency” and why does it matter to employers? 🔹 What skills do employers care about besides my degree? 🔹 How do I know what I’m good at? 🔹 Can CEL help me build career-ready skills? 🔹 What’s the difference between a skill and a competency?

A competency is a skill or ability you can apply in real-world situations — and employers care about them a lot.

Examples include:

• 🧠 Critical thinking – analyzing information and making smart decisions

• 🤝 Teamwork – working well with others to reach a goal

• ⏱️ Time management – staying organized and meeting deadlines

• 💬 Communication – expressing ideas clearly and listening actively

• 🌱 Adaptability – staying flexible and positive when things change

• 🎯 Initiative – taking action and showing leadership

These competencies show employers how you’ll perform on the job — not just what you’ve studied.

CEL can help you:

• 🧭 Identify your current strengths

• 🛠️ Build new competencies through jobs, volunteering, and experiential learning

• ✍️ Reflect on your growth and learn how to talk about it in resumes, interviews, and applications

You don’t need to master everything at once — CEL will help you grow step by step.

📘 Helpful Definitions:

• Competency: A measurable skill or ability that helps you succeed in work, school, or life

• Soft skills: Personal qualities like communication and teamwork — often part of your competencies

• Experiential learning: Hands-on learning through work, volunteering, or projects

📎 Suggested Links:

• Explore Competencies – CEL 

• Book a Career Advising Appointment – CEL 

• CEL Services Overview 

📝 Special Notes:

• CEL uses tools like reflection activities and skill maps to help you track your growth

• You can start building competencies in first year — through classes, clubs, volunteering, and more

• International students are welcome to use CEL services and explore competencies relevant to global workplaces