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Durable Skills @ the U

Defining Durable Skills

According to a recent Strada Gallup Education Consumer Survey, 58% of respondents indicated that they chose to attend college to find a good job or career in the future.However, most students feel underprepared when they reach the workplace. 

Educators are encouraged to integrate critical workplace skills, or durable skills, into pedagogy throughout the college experience to help students address this gap. Incorporating career readiness competencies throughout any program of study helps students to learn skills that will benefit them in your class, their future classes, and throughout their career path ahead.


University of Utah Durable Skills Framework

The University of Utah's Durable Skills Framework is comprised of outcomes established by multiple nationally-recognized workforce readiness standards: NACE Career Readiness Competencies, AAC&U VALUE rubrics, and the U.S. Department of Education’s Employability Skills Framework.

Critical Thinking +
Problem Solving

Analyze information, evaluate evidence,  apply reasoning to address complex problems

Communication

Express ideas clearly across oral, written, and digital formats (public speaking, email best practices), adapt messages for diverse audiences, ask questions, ask for help, and engage in negotiation

Collaboration +
Teamwork

Build relationships, work within a team, contribute productively to group goals, and be adept at conflict management

Emotional +
Cultural Competence

Recognize and adapt to emotions and perspectives to engage effectively across cultures and contexts, navigate diversity

Creativity +
Innovation

Generate new ideas, integrate knowledge, apply technology to novel solutions

Information +
Technology Literacy

Locate, evaluate, and ethically use information; leverage technology for inquiry and problem-solving; understand complex systems; manage resources effectively

Leadership + Professionalism

Act with integrity and ethical purpose; show initiative; demonstrate responsibility, professional behavior, adaptability, dependability, meeting etiquette, and inclusive leadership in all professional endeavors; demonstrate punctuality, work ethic, and accountability

Career +
Self-Development

Seek continual growth by learning new skills; practicing time and stress management; adapting to changing environments; approaching challenges with grit, curiosity and adaptability; and receiving feedback

 


Integration Across Campus

Learn more about how different campus organizations are integrating durable skills into their services and find resources for faculty, staff, students, and beyond!

Durable Skills Integration @ the U

Last Updated: 8/21/26