What are competencies?

Competencies are areas of skill, ability and knowledge that can be used to successfully perform in a defined setting. This setting can be work, school or your personal life and obligations.

A competency describes a behavior. Competence describes a level or performance in that behavior.

Why would we use a competency based approach to our work?

Understanding what skills, abilities and knowledge are essential to effectiveness in career roles can position DPhiE to best prepare members for life after graduation. Competency development models are used in many professional organizations as well so introducing them to students while in college gives them the opportunity to become familiar with the process and better understand what they can expect in their professional roles. Utilizing competencies also ensures that organizations are operating with intentionality, transparency and accountability since each competency area is measured through assessment. As a professional staff at IHQ we also use competencies to measure our growth and providing a similar professional opportunity to our members and volunteers is a valuable investment.

Where would we use competencies in our work?

  • Recruitment/Growth
  • New member orientation (undergrad and alumnae initiate process)
  • Team excellence/undergraduate leadership team training & development
  • Alumnae association leadership team training & development
  • CAB training & development
  • Member development programs-both undergraduate & alumnae
    • PEARL program would be driven by these competencies
  • General Operations
  • Promoting understanding of chapter/individual finances/financial commitment
  • Housing– elevate the living/learning experience & opportunity to implement a formal “program”
  • Potential for certification and micro-credentialing as well
  • Assessment– makes the assessment plan more clear cut
  • Ability to tell our DPHIE story and showcase the value of membership
  • Fundraising– we can potentially gain donor interest around particular competencies and gain funding for initiates to enhance education/training around that competency