--- title: Wayfinder | Understanding Portrait of a Graduate description: Ensure students graduate with the skills needed to thrive in school, careers, and beyond. image: https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/Student%20+%20Teacher%20Photos/Understanding%20Portrait%20of%20a%20Graduate.png --- [![Wayfinder](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/wayfinder-theme/images/61e1f37cabd595ac1e57f07b_wayfinder-logo.png?width=200&name=61e1f37cabd595ac1e57f07b_wayfinder-logo.png "Wayfinder")](https://www.withwayfinder.com/) [Log In](https://app.withwayfinder.com/login) [![Schedule Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21904666/5f1e7040-47f1-4af2-9e4a-10c9e25464e6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21904666/5f1e7040-47f1-4af2-9e4a-10c9e25464e6) - Curriculum + Products - Our Offerings - Grade Levels - [District-Wide (PreK-12)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/district-wide-curriculum) - [Elementary School (PreK-5)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/elementary-school-curriculum) - 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[Contact Us](https://www.withwayfinder.com/contact/contact) [LogIn](https://app.withwayfinder.com/login) [![Schedule Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21904666/ec673fee-db79-4ddb-beb2-2a1ff450f52b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21904666/ec673fee-db79-4ddb-beb2-2a1ff450f52b) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.withwayfinder.com/privacy-policy) - [Terms of Use](https://www.withwayfinder.com/terms-of-service) © Wayfinder, 2023 # Understanding the Portrait of a Graduate: How Students Build Essential Skills and Competencies Ensure students graduate with the skills needed to thrive in school, careers, and beyond. Learn more about Portrait of a Graduate skills, implementation, and more! ![Understanding Portrait of a Graduate](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Student%20+%20Teacher%20Photos/Understanding%20Portrait%20of%20a%20Graduate.png?width=1530&height=1338&name=Understanding%20Portrait%20of%20a%20Graduate.png) ![](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/Forest%20Textured%20Topo.jpg) ![](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/images/61deac079e98a3cc0003531b_assessment-hero-bg.jpg) ## **Portrait of a Graduate Table of Contents** - [**Defining the Portrait of a Graduate:** A Vision for Student Development and Career Readiness](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/understanding-portrait-of-a-graduate#defining-portrait-of-a-graduate) - [**Key Competencies Every Graduate Needs for Success**](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/understanding-portrait-of-a-graduate#key-competencies-of-pog) - [Effective Communication Skills for Students: Key to Success in School and Beyond](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/understanding-portrait-of-a-graduate#examples-of-pog-key-competencies) - [Innovative Problem Solving: Preparing Students for Real-World Challenges](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/understanding-portrait-of-a-graduate#examples-of-pog-key-competencies) - [Self-Directed Learning: Cultivating Lifelong Learners for Future Careers](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/understanding-portrait-of-a-graduate#examples-of-pog-key-competencies) - [Ethical Leadership and Global Citizenship: Preparing Graduates for a Changing World](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/understanding-portrait-of-a-graduate#examples-of-pog-key-competencies) - **[Bringing the Portrait of a Graduate Framework to Life](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/understanding-portrait-of-a-graduate#bring-pog-framework-to-life)** - [Transforming Learning Experiences: Integrating Real-World Applications and Project-Based Learning](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/understanding-portrait-of-a-graduate#bring-pog-framework-to-life) - **[Next Steps for Educators and Communities: Shaping the Future of Education and Student Success](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/understanding-portrait-of-a-graduate#next-steps-achieving-pog-together)** ![What is a Portrait of a Graduate Framework](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Portrait%20of%20a%20Graduate%20Hat%20Raised.png?width=500&height=500&name=Portrait%20of%20a%20Graduate%20Hat%20Raised.png) ## Defining “Portrait of a Graduate” In an ever-changing world, students need more than just academic knowledge—they require a blend of skills, mindsets, and competencies to thrive in their careers and communities. A Portrait of a Graduate serves as a shared vision, defining the essential attributes students should develop throughout their educational journey, and outlines the key elements of student success for a school or district. ## Other Names for a Portrait of a Graduate Schools and districts use alternative names for the Portrait of a Graduate to reflect their unique visions for student success. Common alternatives include: - Vision of a Learner/Graduate - Graduate Competencies Framework - Profile of a Graduate/Learner - Graduate Success Framework - Future-Ready Graduate Profile - Graduate Skills Matrix - Holistic Graduate Framework - Learning Outcomes Framework - Student Achievement Framework - Graduate Expectations Model - Graduate Development Plan Additionally, some are called: - Graduate Profile - 21st Century Skills Framework - Future-Ready Framework - Student Success Framework - Graduate Competency Model - Success Skills Portrait - Academic and Life Skills Profile - Essential Skills Map ## Typical Key Competencies of a Portrait of a Graduate A Portrait of a Graduate outlines the critical skills and qualities students need to succeed beyond the classroom. These competencies focus on preparing students for real-world challenges and ensuring they are well-rounded, adaptable, and ready for the future.  Key competencies typically include some or all of the following skills: - **Self-Awareness**: Understanding one’s strengths, values, and emotions to navigate challenges effectively. - **Growth Mindset**: Embracing challenges and learning from setbacks to continuously improve. - **Purpose**: Identifying personal goals and staying motivated to achieve them. - **Collaboration**: Working effectively with diverse groups, respecting different perspectives, and contributing to shared goals. - **Communication**: Articulating ideas clearly and confidently across multiple formats and audiences. - **Critical Thinking**: Analyzing complex issues, making informed decisions, and solving problems creatively. Additional examples of Portrait of a Graduate skillsets are below: ## Examples of Portrait of a Graduate Key Competencies ### Effective Communicator Graduates must be able to articulate their thoughts clearly, collaborate with diverse teams, and express ideas through multiple media formats. Whether through writing, speaking, or digital storytelling, communication is key to success. ### Innovative Problem Solver The ability to approach challenges with creativity and critical thinking ensures that graduates can navigate complex situations and drive meaningful change. Problem solvers apply a growth mindset to analyze situations and develop innovative solutions. ### Self-Directed Learner Lifelong learning is essential in a rapidly evolving world. Self-directed learners take initiative, seek out knowledge, and adapt to new challenges with curiosity and resilience. ### Ethical and Global Citizen Beyond academics, graduates should demonstrate empathy, integrity, and a sense of responsibility. Understanding different perspectives and acting with compassion prepares students to contribute positively to society. ## Bring the Portrait of a Graduate Framework to Life **Transforming Learning Experiences** To ensure students develop these competencies, schools must shift teaching and learning practices. This means: - Integrating project-based learning and real-world applications - Encouraging student-led exploration and inquiry - Fostering mentorship and collaboration opportunities   **Next Steps: Achieving Portrait of a Graduate Skills Together**  Bringing a Portrait of a Graduate to life requires the right tools to help both educators and students succeed. 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