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
February 2023
As a working learner, it is important to take an active role in your continued professional development. Check out tips and tricks for leadership and get ready to level-up your skills.
Level-Up Opportunities
January 2023
Communication is an essential skill for any career. Check out this newsletter for additional learnings and ideas on how to level-up your communication skills!