Examining the Skill Seeker Framework for Career Development

Abstract

A 2013 report by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU) highlighted the call from employers for enhanced practical skill development of college graduates. Indeed, 75% of employers called for “more emphasis on helping students develop five key learning outcomes, including critical thinking, complex problem-solving, written and oral communication, and applied knowledge in real-world settings” (Hart Research Associates, p. 13). The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) considered this research when they developed Skill Seeker, which was designed to provide multiple stakeholders (e.g., students, administrators, internship supervisors) with a framework for examining the ways in which students develop skills that transfer to professional settings. Students are introduced to Skill Seeker through programs, student groups, and campus departments. The purpose of the current project was to test the applicability of Skill Seeker as an evaluative and reflective tool for summer interns in a corporate setting at a summer resort property.