Top 10 Foundational Skills

Certain skills are relevant to any job in any industry. Building these skills while at CU Boulder can help you be a strong candidate for any position you pursue. They will allow you to make a valuable impact throughout your life in any context.

Straightforward communication transfers information, resolves conflict, repairs harm and builds connections. Having the ability to convey thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely in written, oral and visual formats.

Cooperative and coordinated effort helps groups easily achieve their goals.Developing authentic and mutually beneficial relationships with team members that includes, respects and honors diverse perspectives and working styles.

Preventing harm and exclusion, and working to obtain the resources necessary so that everyone can participate fully. Respectfully demonstrating openness, sensitivity and the ability to include all people into a process, especially those who are disadvantaged, have suffered discrimination or are living with disabilities.

Using self-motivation to direct a project or team to achieve a particular outcome or goal. Meeting the needs of the group through emotional bonds and harmony. Developing skills and knowledge in individuals and teams and building consensus through participation.

A multi-sourced, evidence-based approach leads to clearer decision making when addressing problems and overcoming challenges. Analyzing information using disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded and informed by evidence.

Creativity and innovation lead to tangible outcomes such as content, products and processes. Conceiving of and developing ideas that solve problems in unique ways or that improve existing conditions by making them safer, faster or more efficient.

Commonly known as professionalism.ÌýPersonal accountability includes repairing harm and cultivating work habits that demonstrate concern and investment in the larger community.

Communicating information in visual formats, coupled with useful insights and analysis, allows for data-informed decisions. Gathering, managing and/or examining relevant data sets for patterns, correlations and trends.

Utilizing technology solves problems, completes tasks and accomplishes goals. Gaining familiarity with and building competencies in scientific and industrial processes, tools and methods.

Pursuing training, certificates or roles that align with your career aspirations creates opportunities for advancement and to strengthen the contributions you make to your team or community. Embracing challenges, persisting through obstacles and learning from criticism.

Career Services is here to support you in each step of your career planning. You can attend a weekly workshop, ask questions during office hours, schedule an appointment and more.

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