Activity 2.8

Assessing What You Can Do

It’s time to identify your strengths in each of the big five competencies and provide evidence to back it up. Replicate the following table in your journal and use it to list all the competencies you currently have under the respective header. Come up with at least three competencies for each heading. The most important part of this exercise is to list the evidence of each skill. That evidence may be in the form of a certificate or associated work experience; it’s the proof that you can do what you say you can do. 

For example, Cindy contends that she has excellent leadership competencies (part of interpersonal competencies). Her evidence is that she was head bartender at the university pub with six staff reporting to her and experienced no staff turnover. Marco believes he has excellent written communication skills. He has strong evidence of this since he publishes a popular blog for students at his university. 

The goal of this reflection is to ensure you have captured a full inventory of your current competencies. We find most young adults get hung up on their job title and don’t recognize their competencies that are regularly on display. Based on the example of Cindy, this is why most resumes only list the job of a bartender, rather than the fact that this job is evidence of very specific, valuable competencies (e.g., leadership). 

Remember, as this is part of the Current YOU, ensure you capture only the competencies you currently have, not the competencies you aspire to have or wish to develop. There will be an opportunity to consider the future later. This self-assessment is also an introduction to the importance of evidence-based storytelling (which we dedicate Module 7 to). 

Reflecting on Competencies

Again, it’s important to reflect on the results of your self-assessment of your competencies. Referring to the table you just created, reflect on the competencies you currently possess; also reflect on the evidence that you have to demonstrate these competencies. Record a short description of your competencies in your journal. 

Once you have completed this, review it with family, friends, and any current mentor(s) you may have.