Advising & Career Center
A woman with long dark hair, wearing a turquoise blazer, black and white striped shirt, and black pants is standing in front of a chalkboard and screen at the front of a lecture hall in Human Ecology's Community Leadership Portfolio Capstone Class.

Career-Readiness Curriculum

At the School of Human Ecology, we want students to graduate feeling confident and ready to launch their careers.

Career readiness is key to making the transition from college to career. It means building the skills that employers value most – like communication, teamwork, leadership, and professionalism.

These are more than just job skills. They are life skills that will help you make a meaningful impact wherever you go.

That’s why we created our three part career-readiness curriculum, grounded in the National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies. To help students get “career-ready” through hands-on experiences, individual reflection, and built-in support.

Whether your exploring options or preparing to land your dream job, our career courses will help you grow the confidence and skills needed to take that next step and lead with purpose as a Human Ecologist.

Career Readiness Competencies

black line art of a graduation capblack line art of two text bubbles to communicate the workplace skill: communicationblack line art of a split brain designed to communicate the skill: critical thinkingBlack line art featuring an open hand with a circle with arrows indicating it's going around and around with the silhouette of a person inside of the circle hovering above the hand to communicate the career readiness skill: Equity & InclusionBlack line art of a briefcase to signify the career readiness skill: Professionalism

Three Part Career-Readiness Curriculum

1. Leadership Symposium/Career Pathways (1 Credit)

Explore what’s possible with your major – and where it can take you. This one-credit course offered through your department will help you discover career paths related to your major, learn about current trends, and start building your professional network.

In this class, you will:

  • Connect with alumni and employers to hear their stories and gain career insights.
  • Reflect on your interests and how they align with your major and career goals.
  • Discover what it means to be a human ecologist – and how your degree can make an impact in different types of positions.

Whether you are a first-year student or getting ready to graduate, this course will help you explore what’s possible.

2. Inter-HE 202: SoHE Career & Leadership Development (1 Credit)

Take your next step with confidence. This one-credit online course, helps you dive deeper into your career journey and build the tools need to move forward in securing an internship.

In this class, you will:

  • Learn how to build your personal brand and tell your story to prospective employers.
  • Create or refine your résumé and cover letter.
  • Explore internships aligned with your career interests and learn how to apply.
  • Gain clarity on your career goals and next steps.

This course is designed to help you prepare for your required internship. You must complete Inter-HE 202 before you enroll in Inter-HE 601: Internship.

3. Inter-HE 601: Internship (3 Credits)

Put your learning into action. Every Human Ecology student must complete an internship related to their major prior to graduation. Internships provie an opportunity for you to gain real-world experience, practice your career readiness skills, and build career confidence.

Through your internship, you will:

  • Gain hands-on experience in a professional setting.
  • Apply what you’ve learned in class to real work with an employer.
  • Build your professional network and support system.
  • Strengthen key career readiness skills like communication, problem-solving, and professionalism.
  • Prepare for life after graduation.

You must complete Inter-HE 202: Career & Leadership Development prior to enrolling in the Internship course.

Career Readiness Competencies

black line art of a graduation cap

Career & Self Development

Career & Self Development is taking ownership of your personal and professional growth. This involves cultivating a deep understanding of your values, strengths, interests, and goals – to figure out how to make meaningful contributions to society.

In Human Ecology, this looks like:

  • Reflecting on how your coursework connects to real-world challenges related to human well-being.
  • Pursuing internships, research, or service-learning experiences that align with your passions and purpose.
  • Building habits of lifelong learning and adaptability to thrive in diverse, ever evolving environments.

How to grow this skill:

  • Meet with both your academic and career advisor who can help guide you on your journey.
  • Set intentional goals each semester – academic, personal, and career-related.
  • Engage in experiences that push you out of your comfort zone and expand your perspective.

black line art of two text bubbles to communicate the workplace skill: communication

Communication

Communication is more than just knowing how to talk, text, or write. It’s about truly connecting, active listening, and making ideas actionable. Effective communication means translating complex concepts into meaningful dialogue that promotes human thriving, well-being, and social change.

In Human Ecology, this looks like:

  • Collaborating across disciplines to address human-centered challenges.
  • Communicating with empathy and cultural awareness in diverse settings and communities.
  • Sharing research, design, or service outcomes in ways that inform and inspire others to act.

How to grow this skill:

  • Practice active listening in group projects and student organization meetings.
  • Present your ideas clearly in class, at conferences, or through your creative outlets.
  • Seek feedback and refine your communication style to fit different audiences – from peers to professionals.

black line art of a split brain designed to communicate the skill: critical thinking

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking is the ability to analyze issues, make decisions, and solve problems using sound reasoning. This means approaching challenges with a systems mindset – considering the complex relationships between people, their families, environments, and communities.

In Human Ecology, this looks like:

  • Evaluating how social, economic, and environmental factors intersect in real-world problems.
  • Applying interdisciplinary knowledge to design thoughtful, ethical, human-centered solutions.
  • Reflecting on the broader impact of decisions on human well-being and sustainability.

How to grow this skill:

  • Engage in case studies, competitions, and service-learning projects that require analysis and reflection.
  • Ask questions that challenge assumptions and explore multiple perspectives.
  • Collaborate with peers from different disciplines to solve complex challenges.

Black line art featuring an open hand with a circle with arrows indicating it's going around and around with the silhouette of a person inside of the circle hovering above the hand to communicate the career readiness skill: Equity & Inclusion

Equity & Inclusion

Equity & Inclusion means recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, experiences, and identities. This requires an understanding of how social systems, environments, and policies affect people differently – and commitment to working toward socially just solutions that promote well-being for all.

In Human Ecology, this looks like:

  • Engaging diverse communities to co-create inclusive and sustainable solutions to societal challenges.
  • Recognizing how identity, access, and opportunity shape lived experiences.
  • Applying inclusive design, research, and policy practices that center equity.

How to grow this skill:

  • Participate in service-learning projects or community-based research that amplifies underrepresented voices.
  • Reflect on your biases and seek out differing perspectives in your courses and campus life.
  • Join organizations focused on social issues, accessibility, or cultural awareness.

Black line art of a mountain with a flag on top to signify the career readiness skill: Leadership.

Leadership

Leadership is about recognizing your ability to influence, motivate, and inspire others towards shared goals. Leadership is grounded in empathy, collaboration and systems thinking – understanding how your actions affect individuals, communities, and environments.

In Human Ecology, this looks like:

  • Leading with purpose in group projects, student organizations, research teams, or community initiatives.
  • Facilitating inclusive decision-making that values diverse perspectives.
  • Applying interdisciplinary knowledge to mobilize change in areas like health, design, sustainability, and social innovation.

How to grow this skill:

  • Take initiative in group projects or student organizations that align with your values.
  • Reflect on your leadership style and seek feedback from mentors and peers on areas of growth.
  • Engage in opportunities that challenge you to lead with integrity and adaptability.

Black line art of a briefcase to signify the career readiness skill: Professionalism

Professionalism

Professionalism means consistently demonstrating integrity, accountability, and ethical behavior in your work and relationships. It’s about showing up with purpose – honoring the interconnectedness of people, environments, and systems, through responsible action and respectful collaboration.

In Human Ecology, this looks like:

  • Managing your time and commitments to contribute meaningfully to group projects, research, or internships.
  • Communicating with respect and clarity in diverse settings – from classrooms to fieldwork.
  • Upholding ethical standards in design, research, policy, and service.

How to grow this skill:

  • Practice punctuality, follow-through, and self-awareness in academic, personal, and professional settings.
  • Seek feedback and reflect on how your actions affect others.
  • Engage in experiences that challenge you to balance empathy, responsibility, and initiative.

Black line art of two hands shaking to communicate the career readiness skill of Teamwork

Teamwork

Teamwork is the ability to collaborate effectively with others towards shared goals. This is essential to solving complex, human-centered challenges, bringing together diverse perspectives, disciplines, and lived experiences to create meaningful change.

In Human Ecology, this looks like:

  • Working across disciplines to generate solutions to complex problems.
  • Practicing empathy, active listening, and shared leadership in group and service-learning projects.
  • Navigating differences with respect and adaptability to strengthen collective outcomes.

How to grow this skill:

  • Join interdisciplinary teams in class, research projects, or student organizations.
  • Reflect on your role in group dynamics and seek feedback from peers and mentors to improve collaboration.
  • Participate in community-based work that requires cooperation, communication, and shared responsibility with others.

Black line art of a laptop computer with the screen open to communicate the career readiness skill: Technology

Technology

Technology as a career readiness skill means understanding and leveraging digital tools to solve problems, complete tasks, and communicate effectively. Technology is a powerful tool – whether using it for data analysis, design innovation, or digital storytelling.

In Human Ecology, this looks like:

  • Using software and creative tools to design inclusive environments and sustainable products.
  • Utilizing data visualization tools to explore trends in health, policy, or sustainability.
  • Leveraging digital platforms to share research, advocate for change, and connect with communities.

How to grow this skill:

  • Explore the use of tools like Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and Revit in your coursework and projects.
  • Attend workshops or webinars on emerging technology relevant to your fields of interest.
  • Use technology to amplify your impact – whether for storytelling, analysis, or collaboration.