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Ideal Graduate

Rooted within Cowboy Culture are foundational attributes that we strive for in the ideal Oklahoma State University graduate. In addition to a degree, our students develop specific competencies during their time at OSU, enabling them to serve as impactful leaders in their communities and career. OSU is committed to prioritizing the development of these competencies university-wide, recognizing the significance of professional preparedness, engaged citizenship, ethical leadership and personal responsibility in shaping well-rounded individuals. 

The Four Competencies

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Professional Preparedness
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Engaged Citizenship
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Ethical Leadership
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Personal Responsibility

Ideal Graduates in the Workplace

Oklahoma State University is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to excellence in education. Beyond the classroom, experiences such as internships,  study abroad, leadership opportunities and industry partnerships enhance OSU students’ readiness for the workforce, laying a solid foundation for success in their field.  The four ideal graduate competencies go beyond academic knowledge, emphasizing practical competencies essential for success in the modern workplace and society.

OSU Portfolio

The OSU Portfolio documents students’ participation in competency-based activities both inside and outside the classroom. This innovative approach to capturing competency-related experiences prepares students to showcase the skills they have developed as they transition into their careers and allows them to articulate their skills to potential employers and industry leaders. Each student is equipped with a digital portfolio allowing them to manage their achievements, skills, projects and qualifications.

Understanding the Model

Do.

  • Students participate in a wide variety of meaningful experiences, including undergraduate research, leadership roles, internships, community involvement, group projects, analyzing case studies and so much more.
  • The ‘Do’ step of this model represents the actual experiences in which our students are participating.

Reflect.

  • Through meaningful reflection, students are processing their experience and recognizing the value they gained from it.
  • Further, this reflection allows them to articulate the skills they developed and the personal or professional growth that it fostered in them. Through these observations, students recognize how the experience prepares them to successfully navigate future opportunities.

Apply.

  • The final step of the experiential learning model encourages students to connect their experience and the development it brought them to the larger world and allows them to apply their new knowledge and skills in a broader way.

Additional Resources

OSU's Land-Grant Commitments

Explore more about the University's commitment to its land-grant roots.

 

OSU Strategic Plan

What is career readiness?

Learn more about career readiness and how students are prepared for the workplace.

 

Career Readiness Competencies

We're here to help

Get answers to commonly asked questions about the OSU Portfolio and the Ideal Graduate experience.

 

Frequently Asked Questions
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