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Career Readiness: Integrating NACE Career Competencies in Engineering Courses

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Conference

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Portland, Oregon

Publication Date

June 23, 2024

Start Date

June 23, 2024

End Date

July 12, 2024

Conference Session

College Industry Partnerships Division (CIP) Technical Session 3

Tagged Division

College Industry Partnerships Division (CIP)

Tagged Topic

Diversity

Permanent URL

https://strategy.asee.org/48445

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Paper Authors

biography

Ryan C Cooper University of Connecticut Orcid 16x16 orcid.org/0000-0003-0879-4434

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Professor Ryan C. Cooper is an Assistant Professor-in-Residence at the University of Connecticut in the Mechanical Engineering Department. Professor Cooper teaches a number of core mechanical and manufacturing courses.

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Abstract

This study investigates the early outcomes of incorporating the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Competencies framework into engineering courses. More than three quarters of engineering students are seeking career advancement or career changes with engineering degrees. The integration of NACE Career Competencies helps translate ABET student outcomes into practicable career readiness strategies. The courses used projects and guided reflection students to practice eight career competencies: Career and Self Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity and Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork, and Technology. Preliminary observations from student reflections and advising interviews suggest students are intrinsically motivated to connect course exercises to career competencies. This study provides a valuable foundation for ongoing investigations into the potential benefits of incorporating career competencies in engaging engineering students and building lifelong learners.

Cooper, R. C. (2024, June), Career Readiness: Integrating NACE Career Competencies in Engineering Courses Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. https://strategy.asee.org/48445

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