Events:
Networking & LinkedIn, Powered by Partners (DriveTime)
Wednesday, October 11, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Virtual
Building your Brand/Digital Presence
Thursday, October 26, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Student Services Building, 1151 S Forest Ave Tempe, AZ
Check out other upcoming events!
October Career Competency Focus - Critical Thinking
The career competency focus for the month of October is critical thinking! The National Association of Colleges and Employers labels critical thinking as recognizing and responding to a need based on understanding context and relevant information. You probably use critical thinking everyday without even realizing it! This is why it is a crucial skill that employers look for.
Helpful Articles
6 Important Critical Thinking Skills You Should Master
By Maggie Wooll
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving- NACE Competency
By Jessica Caolo
Why Critical Thinking is the Key to a Successful Career
By Jesse Quainoo
Recommended Trainings
Improve Your Problem Solving Skills
By Madecraft and Eric Zackrison
Benefits of a Critical Thinking Mindset
By Becki Saltzman
By Becki Saltzman
Increase Your Critical Thinking Skills
By Andrea Bonior
Level-Up Experiences
The following are recommended ways for you to practice and level-up your Critical Thinking abilities this month within your current job. Feel free to use these suggestions or come up with your own. Once you have finished an experience, be sure to add it to your accomplishment tracker.
Analyze Research:
- Prepare: Find an opportunity to research a topic! Whether this be at work, through class or on your own.
- Take Action: Use your critical thinking skills to evaluate the research from different sources and sides. Think about which perspective best fits how you think.
-
Reflect: Based on the research, what did you learn and how might this affect your day-to-day life? Does your conclusion make sense? Did you use reliable sources? Did your biases get in the way of a logical conclusion?
Practice Active Listening:
-
Prepare: Prepare yourself to actively listen. Put any distractions aside and get ready to give who you are listening to your full attention.
-
Take Action: Focus on who is speaking to you. Do not interrupt them and show them you are actively listening by facing towards them and maintaining eye contact. Do not jump to any conclusions about what they are saying. Pay attention to their words but also their non-verbal cues to really understand their message.
-
Reflect: Evaluate what they have said and think before you respond. Evaluate how you could have done a better job of being an active listener and what you can do moving forward.
Take Charge of a Project:
- Prepare: Remember that it is essential to use your skills and remain unbiased and logical when completing tasks at work.
- Take Action: Try asking your supervisor for the opportunity to take the lead on a project or task. Work through issues as best you can and be willing to ask for help when needed.
-
Reflect: What was the impact of your work? Ask yourself if the way you completed the task made sense given the context and information provide, and how you might improve the process in the future.
Want to share?
Are you aware of resources, events, or training that would be good to share with other Working Learners? Please email us your ideas for inclusion in upcoming monthly level-up communications. Send suggestions to workplus@asu.edu
Level-Up Opportunities
January 2024
Professionalism is a key aspect of any role or career path. There is a lot to be learned from articles and training but you can also learn so much from co-workers, supervisors, and other…
Level-Up Opportunities
December 2023
Opportunities to practice and develop Leadership skills are all around you! Browse these suggestions for additional ways to improve your competencies.
Level-Up Opportunities
November 2023
Equity and Inclusion are essential for working in a team and being a leader. Take a look at these suggestions to learn how you can become more open and inclusive in the workplace!
Level-Up Opportunities
September 2023
Mastering effective communication is a fundamental skill for success in any career. Check out this newsletter for additional insights and practical strategies on how to level up your communication…
Level-Up Opportunities
August 2023
Whether you are new to your career or well-established, maintaining a constant emphasis on professional development remains crucial. Explore these articles and activities to elevate your Career…
Level-Up Opportunities
July 2023
A focus on Equity and Inclusion is vital for creating collaborative teams and being a good coworker and leader. Take a look through these suggestions to learn how you can become more inclusive in…
Level-Up Opportunities
June 2023
Teamwork is an essential skill to develop both for professional and personal growth. Learn how you can be a better team player and build up your team!
Level-Up Opportunities
May 2023
Professionalism is an essential skill for any career path. Read more for tips and tricks to improve your professionalism at work.
Level-Up Opportunities
April 2023
In our digital age, it is important to have strong skills with technology. Check out this month for ideas on how to level up your technology skills.
Level-Up Opportunities
March 2023
As you work specifically to curate your career interests you will notice specific skills needed in every job. Check out this newsletter for ideas on how to level-up your critical thinking skills…