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Learning Communities Spring 2025: Research and the Job Search

This guide accompanies the in person Learning Communities activities for Spring Semester 2025.

Mission, Vision, Values

Values and goals are often stated and reflected in a company's Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Core Values. Not all companies will have all of these published for the public.

  • Mission Statement: Describes the purpose of what a company current does.
  • Vision Statement: Describes what the company hopes to achieve in the future.
  • Core Values: The guiding principles that define the mission, vision, and culture of a company.

Think about how your own professional experiences, values, and goals align with the organization's statements. Referencing this can help show how you will fit into the organization's overall workplace culture and professional environment. 

Questions to consider:

  • How does the company describe the company culture? 
  • Does the company have a mission, values, or vision statement? 
  • Does the company have any statements addressing diversity, equity, or ethics? 
  • How do the company’s statements align with your own professional values? 
  • How does the company’s mission or vision for growth align with your career goals? 
  • Does the company give back to their community, if so, how? 

Resources for Finding the Mission, Vision, and Values

Most companies will post a statement related to their values on their website. This might be called a "Mission Statement", a "Values Statement", "Core Values", and sometimes, an "Ethics Statement".  It is often located on the "About Us", "Our Company", or "Investor Relations" pages.

If you can't find it on their website, do an online search for the company name and "mission statement".

You can also search for a company in popular publications, like newspapers, to see reporting on community initiatives.

Example: Norfolk State University

Mission Statement

Norfolk State University, a comprehensive urban public institution, is committed to transforming students’ lives through exemplary teaching, research and service. Offering a supportive academic and culturally diverse environment for all, the University empowers its students to turn their aspirations into reality and achieve their full potential as well-rounded and resourceful citizens and leaders for the 21st century.

Vision Statement

Norfolk State University will be recognized nationally as a premier public institution with outstanding signature academic programs, innovative research, and community engagement opportunities.

Core Values

Norfolk State University's strength lies in its core values. They form the foundation for the University's actions and reflect what is important to the members of the Norfolk State University community and the Hampton Roads region.

Excellence – We are dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence in all facets of the University through the highest educational standards for student achievement, stellar faculty teaching, innovative research, dedicated service and creative co-curricular activities.
Student-Centered – Students are our top priority, and we are committed to helping them become globally competitive in an enriching, stimulating and supportive environment.
Integrity and Civility – We expect everyone to be accountable for his or her actions and to engage in honest, ethical behavior. We value the contributions of each person, treating all with respect and civility, and affirm our shared responsibility for institutional success.
Engagement – We continually enhance the university’s role and influence in affairs of local and global communities by promoting educational attainment, cultural enrichment, and economic development. 
Pride – We display great admiration for the University and its rich history and legacy.
Financial Empowerment – We aggressively pursue expanded and more diversified revenue streams.

From - NSU, About, History & Mission