What is career readiness in K-12 education?

Career readiness goes beyond academics

Career readiness is not just grades, test scores and résumés. It also includes:

• Communication skills
• Self-awareness
• Professional behavior
• Interview readiness
• Confidence speaking about strengths

Core components of career readiness

1. Self-knowledge

Students understand:

• Their interests
• Their strengths
• Areas for growth

2. Skill articulation

Students can explain:

• What they are good at
• How their skills apply to real roles
• Why they are a good fit for opportunities

3. Exposure to careers

Students explore:

• Different industries
• Career pathways
• Real-world expectations

4. Practice opportunities

Students practice:

• Interviews
• Professional communication
• Reflection and feedback

Why interview skills are central to career readiness

Interviews are often the gateway moment between education and opportunity. Without practice, even capable students may:

• Undersell themselves
• Freeze under pressure
• Miss opportunities they deserve

How schools support career readiness

Effective schools embed career readiness through:

• Counseling programs
• CTE pathways
• Advisory lessons
• Work-based learning
• Interview practice tools

Measuring career readiness

Career readiness is demonstrated when students can:

• Speak confidently about themselves
• Respond clearly to questions
• Reflect on feedback
• Show growth over time