While in college, it’s not surprising for students to be starry-eyed about working. However, when reality strikes, life can be devastating.
As a student, to avoid such a situation, it’s important that you see things as they really are. You need to know that having a college degree isn’t a passport to a dream job. It might fetch you an interview call, but that’s not everything. To actually land the job, employers will want to know, among many other things, what you can do.
You need to have a particular skill set that fits their needs. They will also want to know if you’re a leader, can work independently, think logically and are professional in your dealings.
Unfortunately, most students don’t know many of these things. Others feel they will pick them up as they go along in their professions. Some students may learn professional skills by reading “management books by reputed authors“, watching videos on these subjects or latching on to management gurus.
See Also: 3 Management Books Every Upcoming Entrepreneur Must Read
Now, if you are wondering what exact skills can help you in getting your dream job, read on.
1Leadership skills
In life, you need to demonstrate leadership skills where applicable. The ability to assume leadership roles as and when the situation demands in college and in working life will help young professionals to assume positions of influence in the future. Besides, “companies prefer hiring leaders rather than followers“.
You can develop this skill by looking out for leadership opportunities while still in high school. As a student, you can do this by becoming the captain of a sports team, a drama club or a student movement.
2Collaborative skills
College kids should work well in groups while collaborating on projects. The ability to work as a team is one of the things employers often look for.
Apart from team-based projects like service activities in high school, you can learn to be collaborative by participating in extracurricular activities and athletics, too.
3Essay writing skills
As a college student, you will have to juggle multiple subjects and write numerous essays. Some of them can come with very short deadlines. The trick is to master essay writing skills and get so comfortable with researching and formatting your essays that you can handle them with ease and quick turnaround times.
If you are unsure about how well you can write an essay, ask yourself if you are confident that you can score an A+ if you write the essay yourself. If you aren’t confident in your ability, it is recommended to take help from professional essay writing services. Use their essay as a reference to improve your essay writing skills.
4Communication and interpersonal skills
Another skill you must learn is listening “actively, humbly and attentively“. You should also learn how to start and carry on a conversation and ask relevant questions at the appropriate time. Make sure to maintain eye contact with your group members in group projects, too.
You can inculcate better communication and interpersonal skills by speaking with your teachers in one-on-one situations. Getting a good internship is another great way to enhance your interpersonal and communication skills.
5Problem-solving skills
Students and working professionals will always be confronted by numerous challenges that will need deft handling. You can work on your problem-solving skills by taking classes that teach experiential learning. You should also try out new activities that can put you in unusual situations, such as a debate or an oratory club. By participating in group projects, you can develop problem-solving skills, such as logical thinking, critical thinking and decision-making.
6Time management skills
By the time you move on to college, you should have ingrained good time management skills. You should be able to track several projects efficiently and prioritize tasks.
You can improve your time management skills by taking in more responsibility. Some examples include obtaining internships, doing volunteer work or engaging in extra-curricular activities.
See Also: 5 Essential Time Management Tips to Live By
Growing personally and academically during college comes with hard work, perseverance and lessons. Don’t give up and keep honing your skills as they can be your ticket to getting your dream job.
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Author: Livia Susan
Livia Susan is a guest author and the co-founder of Lifesaver Essays, an essay writing service that helps students with their college essays and research papers. She provides guidance on career choices and helps students improve their research skills. When she is not working, she spends time time reading books, and writing on technology and self-improvement.
