CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Taking a career assessment can help a student identify occupations that match their interests. A job shadow can give them a glimpse into the workplace.

Both are valuable.

But neither, by itself, makes a student career ready.

Career readiness is about preparing students to successfully enter and adapt to a workplace that continues to change. ICAN encourages students and families to think about career readiness through three interconnected areas: human skills, technology and AI fluency, and experience.

“Knowing what career you're interested in is a starting point,” said Elizabeth Wilson, Student Success Advisor at ICAN. “Career readiness is about developing the skills, knowledge and experiences that will help you succeed once you get there.”

Human Skills Still Matter

Technology may change how work gets done, but people still work with people.

Employers need individuals who can communicate, collaborate, solve problems, think critically, adapt to change, manage responsibilities and demonstrate professionalism.

Students build these skills in many places: classrooms, athletics, activities, part-time jobs, volunteer experiences and everyday interactions.

The important step is helping students recognize those skills and continue developing them intentionally.

Students Need AI and Technology Fluency

Today's students are preparing for careers in which technology—and increasingly artificial intelligence—will be part of the workplace.

Career readiness doesn't require students to become experts in every new tool. It does require them to become thoughtful users of technology.

Students should learn how to use AI and other tools productively and responsibly, evaluate information, verify results, understand limitations and recognize when human judgment is essential.

The question is becoming less about whether students will use AI and more about how well they will know how to use it.

Experience Turns Learning Into Understanding

Students also need opportunities to experience the world of work.

Job shadows, internships, apprenticeships, work-based learning, part-time jobs, volunteering, extracurricular activities and hands-on projects allow students to apply skills in real situations.

Experience can also help students determine whether a career actually fits their interests and expectations.

Learning that a career isn't the right fit can be just as valuable as discovering one that is.

Career Exploration Connects It All

Career assessments and exploration still play an important role.

They help students identify possibilities and understand where their interests might lead.

But career readiness goes further.

Students should be able to connect:

Who am I?

What possibilities interest me?

What skills will I need?

How is technology changing this field?

What experiences can help me prepare?

What education or training will get me there?

“Students are preparing for a workforce that will continue to evolve,” Wilson said. “Our job isn't simply to help them choose a career. It's to help them develop the ability to navigate their career over time.”

ICAN provides career exploration, education and training planning, and career readiness resources for Iowa students and families. Learn more at ICANsucceed.org.

About ICAN

ICAN is a nonprofit, educational organization. ICAN is the College Access Network for Iowa, and a member of the National College Access Network (NCAN). ICAN has locations in Ankeny, Bettendorf, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City, which provide programming and advising support to students and their families as they plan for education and training after high school. All ICAN programs and services are provided without charge. For more information about ICAN, call (877) 272-4692 or visit www.ICANsucceed.org.