The document discusses inventorying one's skills, which are abilities developed through practice and experience over time. It notes that communicating skills with confidence requires providing evidence of past successes using those skills. The exercise prompts the reader to list 10 current strengths and 10 future important skills for their fields of interest, noting overlaps and gaps between the two lists for comparison.

1. Inventory Your Skills
Your skills are the abilities that you possess. Skills are developed and improved with practice and
over time, though they can be influenced by a natural knack or unique talent. Communicating your
skills in a way that builds confidence requires that you give evidence of your past exposure and
success.
Exercise: Using the list below for inspiration, come up with ten skills that describe your current
strengths. Next, come up with ten that describe those you expect will be important in your fields of
interest. How do they compare? Note overlaps as well as gaps.
Communicating Clearly ____________________________________________________
Managing a Project
Collaborating towards a Goal ____________________________________________________
Writing Persuasively
CAREER CENTER
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Learning Quickly
Researching Thoroughly ____________________________________________________
Innovating
Compiling a Budget ____________________________________________________
Balancing Priorities
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www.studentaffairs.duke.edu/career