Students at Northeast Community College didn’t just talk about their strengths.
They demonstrated them, taking the CliftonStrengths framework from the classroom to the community during a recent presentation at Norfolk’s One Million Cups gathering.
Business instructor Cara Hoehne and her Investing in Strengths class shared how Northeast Community College uses CliftonStrengths to help students understand their natural abilities and prepare for careers on Wednesday, February 18.
The presentation explained CliftonStrengths and how it is integrated into the required Investing in Strengths course for students in business, accounting, administrative professional, communication, and health information management programs.
Hoehne explained that the goal of the course is not simply personality awareness, but helping students recognize what they naturally do well and how that translates into real workplace value.
“Students often know they’re capable but don’t always have the words to explain it. CliftonStrengths helps them put language to their abilities,” Hoehne said.
Students enrolled in the one-credit, eight-week Investing in Strengths course explore their CliftonStrengths results through interactive activities, discussions, professional panels, and guided reflection. Each student also participates in two individual coaching sessions with trained and certified Northeast faculty and staff, helping them understand how their natural talents appear in school, teamwork, and future careers.
“Since fall 2022, more than 400 Northeast students have participated in individual coaching sessions with trained and certified employee coaches,” Hoehne said. “We want students to leave Northeast with confidence in their abilities and the language to share that with employers.”
During the presentation, students participated by sharing their own strengths and describing how they see those strengths showing up in school, teamwork, and future careers.
“Before coming to Northeast I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. CliftonStrengths helped me understand what I’m naturally good at and how that fits into a future career,” said Mia McNutt.
“Understanding my strengths has helped me communicate better and build stronger relationships,” said Daniela Alvarez. “It also helps me know how I work best as I prepare to enter the workplace.”
The presentation allowed community members to see firsthand how Northeast is preparing students for careers beyond graduation. Hoehne said one of the most valuable parts of the experience was giving students an opportunity to communicate professionally in a real-world setting.
“The best part is watching students realize they already have something valuable to offer,” Hoehne said.
By presenting to the community, students were able to practice explaining their strengths in a professional setting, reinforcing the course’s goal of helping students recognize and communicate the abilities they bring to future employers.
Downtown Presentation
Northeast Community College students and business instructor Cara Hoehne present about CliftonStrengths and the Investing in Strengths course during the Norfolk One Million Cups gathering at Intersect in downtown Norfolk on February 18. (Northeast Community College)
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