Are You Career Ready?
In today's competitive job market, industries are constantly evolving, and technological advancements are reshaping the workforce. Universities play a pivotal role in equipping students with the essential tools for career success in this landscape. Beyond academic coursework, college is a place where students have opportunities to engage in research projects, internships, and extracurricular activities that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. These experiences enhance students' employability and prepare them to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the professional world.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)—an independent nonprofit that connects college career services professionals with employers of new college graduates—is a leading source of information on the employment of college graduates. They’ve sought to define “career readiness” as the “foundation from which to demonstrate requisite core competencies that broadly prepare the college-educated for success in the workplace and lifelong career management.” At UMass Amherst, career services in every academic discipline work to ensure students are career ready when they graduate.
What Are Career Readiness Competencies?
According to NACE, there are eight career readiness competencies highly valued by employers:
- Career & Self-Development
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Equity and Inclusion
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Technology
UMass graduates have a long-standing reputation for being career ready. That's because across campus, our faculty, advisors, and dedicated career services professionals work to provide opportunities for students to build career competencies while working toward their degrees. Career readiness competencies are based on the same values that inform our teaching and curricula. In other words, the qualities and skills our students are required to cultivate to be successful academically are the same valuable skills employers are looking for in the hiring process.
How Does UMass Support Career Readiness?
The success of UMass Amherst graduates is supported not only by the central Office of Career Development and Professional Connections at the flagship campus, but by the coordinated services of seven campus career centers within our specialized schools and colleges, and a dedicated career professional at the Mount Ida campus. These offices work together to promote student development, connect students with field experiences, and educate students in all phases of career development. Through this support, our students are empowered to make gratifying career decisions that allow them to develop and transition successfully in a diverse and global society.
Internships, co-ops, and other forms of field experience provide opportunities to apply the skills you've learned in the classroom to real world settings. So what’s the difference? An internship is typically a short-term, minimally paid work experience that allows students to gain practical experience in their field of study. A co-op is a longer-term, paid work experience that is often integrated into a student's academic program.
Helping You Get Career Ready
According to data from the class of 2023, 85% of UMass Amherst graduates obtain a career outcome related to their field of study. This is due in no small part to the many avenues toward career readiness fostered at UMass Amherst, including:
UMass Amherst Career Launch in Greater Boston: Get a head start in your academic and professional pursuits with the UMass Amherst Career Launch in Greater Boston program. Greater Boston's vibrant and diverse industries—technology, finance, healthcare, biotech, and more—create the perfect environment to hone your career aspirations. And through housing at our UMass Amherst Mt. Ida Campus in Greater Boston, you can experience everything you love about life at UMass Amherst with easy access to Boston-area internships.
Strong Academic Programs: A wide range of rigorous academic programs across various disciplines are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their chosen fields. Each school and college employs specialized career professionals to help you on your path from classroom to career.
Research Opportunities: Our emphasis on research provides students with valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries. This experience often sets UMass Amherst graduates apart from their peers.
Internships, Co-ops & Field Experiences: The university fosters partnerships with leading companies and organizations, offering students ample opportunities for internships, co-ops, and other field experiences that provide valuable practical skills and networking opportunities.
Career Services: UMass Amherst's Career Development and Professional Connections office, as well as specialized career support centers in every school and college, provide comprehensive support to students and alumni, including career counseling, job search assistance, and networking events.
Global Perspective: The university's diverse student body and international partnerships expose students to different cultures and perspectives, preparing them for a globalized job market.
Reputation and Alumni Network: UMass Amherst's strong reputation and extensive alumni network give graduates an advantage, providing access to valuable connections and opportunities. Connect UMass provides free, lifelong access to an exclusive online community for personal and professional conversations with fellow alumni around the globe.