Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Section 1.2 Preparing for Career Success 15 Preparation for the world of work begins long before you actually have a job or career. Workplace readiness involves the knowledge and skills you are learning now. Employers have identifi ed what learners 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 specifi c 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. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Acquiring basic career knowledge and skills are the foundation for career success.