Career Preparation
You are standing at the threshold of your career, navigating the transition from academia to the professional world. CAFLS is committed to helping you succeed in this next step through internships, co-ops, and numerous other professional development activities.
These experiences offer invaluable hands-on learning and allow you to explore potential career paths. Taking advantage of these opportunities shapes your readiness for the challenges ahead and hones the skills employers value—critical thinking, communication, and professionalism. Equip yourself to step confidently into a future filled with possibilities.
Career Ready Competencies
Developing a strong, diverse set of skills is essential to stand out to employers and demonstrate your ability to thrive in dynamic and collaborative work environments. You can cultivate these skills through a variety of hands-on experiences inside and outside of the classroom. Such experiences include, but are not limited to undergraduate research, internships, course projects, travel opportunities, and extracurricular activities.
These essential skills are often called competencies. Clemson University's core competencies are rooted in research and divided into three categories: Engagement, Innovation, and Professionalism. Participating in activities to help you develop these competencies will make you more competitive in the job market.
Engagement
Communication
Engaging in effective dialogue to achieve productive, collaborative outcomes.
Collaboration
Building authentic relationships, fostering teamwork, and sharing responsibility.
Leadership
Leveraging diverse strengths to achieve shared goals and vision.
Innovation
Adaptability
Embracing growth, creativity, and resilience in an evolving world.
Analytical Skills
Using critical thinking and information to drive problem-solving and improvement.
Technology
Leveraging software and tools to address challenges and drive solutions.
Professionalism
Self-Awareness
Recognizing strengths, managing emotions, and aligning goals with values.
Integrity and Ethics
Acting based on personal values, principles, and accountability.
Brand
Building a positive image/reputation through accountability, reflection, and feedback.
Internships
Internships provide a great opportunity for you to gain work experience and connect with professionals in your field before graduating. With intentional learning goals, supervision, and evaluation, interns apply their classroom learning to develop transferrable skills and expand their professional network.
Career Services
CAFLS Career Services, located in the WB Bookhart Student Services Center, is here to help you connect with employers, explore career opportunities, and achieve your professional goals. You can access resources that make it easier for employers to discover your talents, identify potential careers and internships, and learn about opportunities in your field.
Hear From Students
CAFLS students participate in a wide variety of activities to become Career Ready. Explore stories from current and former CAFLS students navigating their journeys toward career success. Discover how they’re preparing for the future through internships, co-ops, and real-world experiences.
