2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

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.