Kalamazoo College’s Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) align closely with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies. Together, they describe how a liberal arts education prepares students to think critically, communicate effectively, work with others, and apply learning beyond the classroom.

Direct alignments include:

• Communicates Effectively → Communication
• Address Complex Problems → Critical Thinking (including problem-solving and application)
• Collaborates Successfully → Teamwork
• Demonstrates Intercultural Competency → Equity & Inclusion

Applied learning

Problem-solving and application are core components of Address Complex Problems and are often demonstrated through research, experiential learning, internships, community engagement, student employment, and other applied contexts.

Developmental competencies

NACE competencies such as Career & Self-Development, Leadership, Professionalism, and Technology do not map one-to-one to a single ILO. Instead, they are intentionally developed over time through advising, co-curricular involvement, experiential education, student employment, and career education.

A note on division- and major-level mapping

At the institutional level, each ILO aligns most directly with a primary NACE competency. Within majors, programs, and divisions, students often develop multiple NACE competencies through the same learning experiences. Program-level mappings reflect this richer, many-to-many relationship and highlight discipline-specific evidence from coursework, research, and experiential learning. The Center for Career and Professional Development welcomes partnerships with faculty and departments interested in mapping ILOs and career readiness competencies within their major, program, or division.

This alignment underscores that career readiness at K is not separate from the liberal arts curriculum, but develops naturally as students integrate learning, experience, and reflection across the K-Plan.

Institutional Learning Outcome (ILO)	Corresponding NACE Competency
Communicates Effectively	Communication
Address Complex Problems	Critical Thinking (problem-solving and application)
Collaborates Successfully	Teamwork
Demonstrates Intercultural Competency	Equity & Inclusion*
—	Career & Self-Development*
—	Leadership*
—	Professionalism*
—	Technology*

*These NACE competencies do not map to a single ILO but are intentionally developed through advising, experiential learning, co-curricular involvement, and career education.