You Matter Here

What is co-curricular programming, anyway?


The Office of Student Life (SL) is where you belong! We provide students with co-curricular opportunities that transform their student experience from ordinary to extraordinary. These experiential experiences allow students to explore who they are, their beliefs, and how they interact with the world around them. Whether they join or start a student organization, participate in a Leadership Development Workshop, or join one of our many sports leagues, our students grow and impact the communities around them because they have intentionally enhanced their transferable skills. We encourage all students to follow their passions and leave a lasting impression at Austin Community College by participating in Student Life programs and events!

Competencies for Career Readiness

Student Life’s co-curricular programming model builds students’ career readiness skills. Career readiness is the attainment and demonstration of requisite competencies that broadly prepare college graduates for transition into the workplace.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) surveyed over 606 representatives from over 20 industries to indicate which skills they sought from college graduates when making hiring decisions. Based on their responses NACE developed the eight core competencies for career readiness. Below are seven of the eight NACE core competencies and another that is aligns with the values of Austin Community College:

Career & Self-Development

Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.

Communication

Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.

Critical Thinking 

Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.

Leadership 

Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.

Purpose & Belonging

Engage in activities that enhance your sense of connection, community, and recognition of your uniqueness and distinctiveness. Enhance your sense of meaning and direction in life, connection to something larger than yourself, and contribution to the common good.

Professionalism

Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.

Teamwork

Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities. 

Technology 

Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.

For more information check out: NACE Career Readiness Defined. Join some of our many events and programs to enhance your career readiness skills!