This Portrait of a Graduate explains the key skills and qualities LICC students should have by the time they finish college — how they think, how they manage themselves, and how they work with others.
Initiative
A graduate who has initiative looks for
opportunities and problems in their job or
community and on their own, takes steps to take advantage of the opportunities or solve the problems. They seek to go above and beyond what is expected. (Matthew 25:14-30, Proverbs 6:6-8)
Industrious
The industrious graduate works diligently to achieve work, community, and family goals. They monitor their progress regularly and report it to their stakeholders. When they become idle, they look for new opportunities to work or to serve. (Ecclesiastes 9:10, James 2-6, Proverbs 12:24)
Integrity
A graduate who has integrity trusts in the Lord, seeks His will, and submits to it in everything they do. They seek the guidance of wise leaders, they live transparently, and their actions are not questioned or condemned. (Proverbs 3:6, Titus 2:7-8, Proverbs 10:9)
Spiritually Mature
The spiritually mature graduate displays the Fruits of the Spirit in everything they do. They listen to the advice of wise leaders and they humbly accept correction. They have the discernment to balance truth and justice with mercy and grace. Their work bears much fruit. (Galatians 5:22-23, Proverbs 19:20, Micah 6:8, John 15:5)
Servant’s Heart
The graduate who has a servant’s heart prioritizes the welfare of others above their own. They live and give sacrificially as they do the work that the Lord has given them. (John 13:14-15, John 15:12-13, Mark 9:35, Philippians 2:3-7)
Competent
The competent graduate has a deep and broad knowledge of their work. They are proficient in their skills, and they work effectively with excellence and efficiency. They are lifelong learners who seek to improve continuously. (Philippians 1:9, Exodus 35:10, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Proverbs 18:15, Hosea 4:6)
Critical Thinking
The graduate who is a critical thinker reflects regularly on their work. They have a healthy skepticism that allows them to test their own assumptions and the ideas of others. They seek wisdom to discern error and to follow the Lord’s statues and precepts. (2 Timothy 2:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Proverbs 14:15, Ecclesiastes 7:25)
Quality
The quality-oriented graduate is mindful that they are working for the Lord and seek to glorify Him in everything they do. They work to high standards, and they complete their work on time. (Colossians 3:23-24, Philippians 4::8, Ecclesiastes 3:1)