Last
time I explained why higher education doesn’t guarantee a good first job, let
alone a successful career. One reason is the mismatch between what colleges offer and what is needed in the job market: Skills are what employers want, but
higher education focuses on knowledge transfer.
So, what kind of skills are employers looking for? Here are a list of skills that are useful across most industries. Not only should you strive to improve these skills, you should also think about how to demonstrate them in job interviews.
1) Analytical thinking: Most professionals are required to make decisions on a daily basis. To make a sound decision, you need to interpret data and facts, think from different perspectives, and weigh the pros and cons of different options, all of which require good logical reasoning. This is why analytical skills are highly valued in the workplace.
2) Numerical skills: Of course, you don’t need to be
an expert in stochastic calculus or abstract algebra, but basic numerical skills
are important in most jobs. All organizations have to
generate revenue and manage costs in order to survive, and budgeting
is important even for non-profit organizations. It’ll help if you’re comfortable with numbers.
3) Computer skills: Computers have become an indispensable tool for work. It’s crucial to know how to handle simple spreadsheet analysis and create nice presentation slides, because these tasks come up more often than you think in a typical office job.
3) Computer skills: Computers have become an indispensable tool for work. It’s crucial to know how to handle simple spreadsheet analysis and create nice presentation slides, because these tasks come up more often than you think in a typical office job.
4) Communication skills: Make sure you can clearly express your ideas in both
speaking and writing. As Haruki Murakami said, “A lot of trouble in this world
has its origin in vague speech.” Good communication skills help you avoid
misunderstanding, and bring clarity and efficiency to your organization. Being a good listener is important too, since communication is a two-way process.
5) Presentation skills: In many different positions, you’ll be required to sell products, ideas and/or proposals in presentations, either to clients or to supervisors. Whether you can progress in your career often depends on if you can impress them, which in turn depends on your presentation skills.
6) Leadership: Leadership enables you to leverage your skills and experience to achieve better results for the team. Remember that leadership isn’t limited to
experienced executives. Even as a junior employee, you can take the initiative to promote your ideas and motivate and influence others. Just believe in your ability to
act as a leader and make a difference.
7) Interpersonal skills: Since collaboration is prevalent in most industries nowadays, the ability to work effectively in teams is essential in
modern workplace. In fact, business is about people. To deliver consistent results, you need to build
relationships and partnerships with clients and colleagues.
Surprisingly,
even graduates from top schools may lack basic language, arithmetic and computer skills. It seems while college
education may help develop the above skills, there is no guarantee.
It’s unfortunate that some students spend lots of time studying (or partying) but do little to improve and broaden their skill set. Without the right
skill set, college students can’t find the job they want. Disappointed, they may complain and feel that society owes them because their hard
work to obtain a degree doesn’t pay off in the end.
To avoid this situation, students should think strategically about
developing these skills outside classroom. It takes time and efforts, but it’s a high return investment which better prepares them for the job market. The knowledge-based economy is in fact a skill-based economy, and students need to be aware of that.
Questions: Do you agree that the above skills are important in today’s job market? Is there any other skill that in your opinion should be added to the list?
Questions: Do you agree that the above skills are important in today’s job market? Is there any other skill that in your opinion should be added to the list?
Mentality: The Essential Element for Success Next >
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ReplyDeleteHi Stacie, thank you for your kind words! Yes, communication is essential, but sadly many believe that fluency in the language is what communication skills are about.
DeleteThe truth is it takes practice and the right mindset to achieve clarity in communication, facilitate discussion effectively, and encourage and inspire coworkers.