Section 1.2 Preparing for Career Success
15
and employees should know and be able to do to be successful in
their work. Their recommendations were condensed into a list of 10
essential knowledge and skills. This list is used to identify the specific
requirements of a given career as shown in Figure 1-6.
For example, thinking logically, reading, and writing are skills you
strengthen through class participation and homework. They are the
same skills used by a worker when communicating with coworkers. In
the workplace, being able to write instructions for coworkers can mean
the difference between getting the job done well and having it done
poorly or not at all.
Possessing the required knowledge and skills makes employees
more valuable to their employers. When you focus on a career goal,
you will recognize the link between the knowledge and skills and
the career requirements shown in Figure 1-6. You will have many
opportunities to develop the necessary knowledge and skills long
before you join the workforce. Taking advantage of these opportunities
will help you develop your full potential.
Career Knowledge and Skills
Basic Knowledge or Skill Expression of a Career Requirement
Academic foundations Knowing how to read, write, make
presentations, and listen well, and use math
and science principles
Communications Using illustrations to convey complex concepts
Problem solving and critical thinking Analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating data
Information technology
applications
Using Internet searches, presentation
software, and writing/publishing applications
Systems Understanding roles within the team, work unit,
department, and organization
Safety, health, and environment Knowing and following procedures required by
health and safety codes
Leadership and teamwork Demonstrating integrity, perseverance, self-
discipline, and responsibility
Ethics and legal responsibilities Behaving in ways that are appropriate for the
workplace
Employability and career
development
Recognizing what needs to be learned or
accomplished to gain a promotion
Technical skills Correctly using technological systems and
equipment common to a chosen career
Figure 1-6.
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Acquiring basic career knowledge and skills are the foundation for career success.