CORE PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
No matter what career path you pursue, your success will depend on more than technical knowledge alone.
While technical tools and disciplinary methods change over time, the abilities below remain essential across all workplaces and sectors.
CORE PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES MODEL
The Core Professional Competencies Model outlines ten competency areas that will support your success during graduate school and prepare you for the careers you aspire to.
You can use this model to:
- Identify which competencies you want to strengthen
- Reflect on your growth through your CV, résumé, and interviews
- Seek workshops, internships, and professional development experiences
- Articulate your strengths to employers or collaborators
CORE PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
Communication
Clearly and effectively share ideas, information, and research with different audiences using written, oral, visual, and digital formats.
Collaboration & Mentoring
Work productively with others while fostering trust, shared learning, and supportive mentoring relationships.
Leadership
Guide people and projects by motivating others, making ethical decisions, and fostering positive, relationship-centered environments.
Career & Self-Development
Actively develop the insights, skills, and strategies needed to explore career pathways and pursue fulfilling professional goals.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
Analyze complex information, evaluate evidence, diagnose problems, and generate creative and well-reasoned solutions.
Global & Community Engagement
Collaborate respectfully across cultures and communities, strengthening participation, and applying ethical, community-minded practices in professional settings.
Professionalism
Demonstrate integrity, reliability, and responsible work habits while navigating challenges with maturity and ethical judgment.
Management & Project Execution
Plan, organize, and manage tasks, resources, and workflows to complete projects efficiently and collaboratively.
Proactivity & Initiative
Take ownership of your work by anticipating needs, proposing solutions, and pursuing opportunities with creativity and courage.
Emotional Intelligence
Recognize and manage emotions, demonstrate empathy, and build resilient, trust-based interpersonal relationships.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & ARTICLES
