WORKPLACE EXPECTATIO

NSTools for success in the 21st

Century Workplace.

WORKPLACE SKILLS

Technology employers desire a well-educated workforce, and technology roles require a broad range of academic skills.

But academic skills are just one component of a competent professional.

WORKPLACE SKILLSThe 21st century has brought challenges to both employers and job-seekers.

Employers in many areas have expressed concerns about the lack of qualified candidates to fill job vacancies and newly created roles, yet unemployment remains as a major economic concern.

Employers need candidates with strong literacy and technical skills. Many of the skills that are in demand are the same as those required to be good student.

WORKPLACE SKILLSLITERACY

Technologists are frequently required to read and write documentation related to their field.

Reading comprehension skills are a key to job performance.

Technical documentation can be extensive, so the ability to extract pertinent and useful information creates employment value.

WORKPLACE SKILLSLITERACY

Technical writing is a widely used skill.

The audience for technical documentation can range from the well-informed technologist to a lay-person with little technical skill.

Being able to write clearly and accurately using appropriate language to address the audience is a skill that can separate an employee from the pack.

WORKPLACE SKILLSGRAMMAR AND PRESENTATION

Presentations before small groups are a regular occurrence in many jobs, and technology jobs are no exception.

Professionals in the IT field have to prepare presentations to sell products or sell an idea on a regular basis.

WORKPLACE SKILLSGRAMMAR AND PRESENTATION

Technology professionals need to be just that; professional!

Speaking clearly and concisely while using appropriate grammar makes a big impression.

It’s important to understand the technical material being presented, but it’s not enough.

WORKPLACE SKILLSGRAMMAR AND PRESENTATION

Workplace language should be based on professional behavior.

Leave the slang at home.

WORKPLACE SKILLSCRITICAL THINKING

Employers love problem solvers.

It’s important to develop a systematic approach to solving problems.

Every problem may have a different solution, but the method for solving any problem is consistent.

WORKPLACE SKILLSMATH

Many people associate math skills with engineers, architects, and scientific roles, and math skills are used by many people in technology roles.

However, employers need math skills in all roles!

WORKPLACE SKILLSMATH

Basic math skills are important in all jobs, but many technology jobs require advanced math skills.

Want to study a technical field in college? You need Algebra, Geometry, and higher level math to be accepted in to college and to excel.

WORKPLACE SKILLSMATH

Strong math skills translate to good problem solving skills.

WORKPLACE SKILLSCERTIFICATIONS

Industry Certifications are a great way to get an initial interview with an IT company.

Industry certifications indicate at least a basic understanding of associated technical skills.

Many NC CTE classes can prepare students for certification exams.

WORKPLACE SKILLSADDITIONAL SKILLS

We have a global economy today.

While the United States may still be the largest economy worldwide, we no longer are dominant.

Being bilingual/multilingual is a great asset to most employers.

WORKPLACE SKILLSADDITIONAL SKILLS

Many employers desire strong technical skills, but also desire so-called “soft skills.”

These are skills that may transform an employee to a team member.

WORKPLACE SKILLSSOFT SKILLS

Soft skills are really better characterized as personality traits.

The qualities that make good students are the same as those that make great workplace team players and problem solvers.

WORKPLACE SKILLSSOFT SKILLS

Employers wantSelf starters; motivated individualsGoal-oriented team membersFlexible personalitiesEthical, honest partners

21ST CENTURY EMPLOYMENT

Previous generations had a different employment and career landscape.

Our grandparents frequently would go to work for a company, work 30 years or more, and retire. That is rare today.

Technical skills change more rapidly and people are more mobile.

21ST CENTURY EMPLOYMENT

The scenario for lasting employment may have changed, but the foundations for effective employment haven’t.

The biggest difference is that now, more than ever, we have to be “life-long learners” to adapt to changing employment opportunities.