College Central^®

Cecile Peterkin -- A college degree is only one job qualification when you graduate. Take advantage of the time you're in school to develop other foundational skills that can have a much greater impact when it comes to shaping your viability as a job candidate and employee.

• Share
• Post

We are all aware that the economy is fast changing, and this can have significant effects on each and every one of us. Especially for job seekers, a poor economy can mean fewer opportunities to find great jobs and stable careers. This also explains why a number of new graduates are currently unemployed.

Having a college or university degree is widely considered as one of the best ways to avoid unemployment. That is why those who have a college degree are still more likely to land a job in this economy than those without a degree. Nevertheless, having a bachelor’s degree is no longer seen as a guarantee of a job. Sadly, there are so many bachelor’s degree holders out there who don’t possess the necessary foundational skills to help them succeed in the employment industry.

If you are still a college student or are planning to go to college as part of your career preparation, you may find the suggestions below useful to avoid being unemployed after you graduate.

Don’t shy away from the toughest classes. College students tend to avoid taking up difficult classes if they’re given a choice. Little do they know that the ones who gain the most in terms of critical thinking are those who choose to challenge themselves in college. Science and math subjects and majors are among the toughest ones out there because studying them involves a great deal of critical thinking.

Deep reading and writing are helpful as well. Very few people enjoy taking classes that require students to do lots of writing and reading. Though you may not have fun doing such assignments, you can definitely benefit from this kind of training in the end. By spending a lot of time reading and writing, you are unconsciously developing and improving your communication skills and reading comprehension skills. Of course, these two are among the most sought-after skills by employers.

Try to engage in debates. Those who can debate well are very admirable. It’s because they have the confidence and communication skills that not everyone has. By engaging in debates from time to time, you can slowly develop your self-confidence in speaking, and sharpen your critical thinking skills are being sharpened as well. Remember also that the ability to convince or persuade people can be very useful as you try to prove your worth in the corporate world later on.

Participate in research projects. Research projects are all about finding a solution to a particular problem. By joining a research team or even conducting a research project on your own, you will give yourself a chance to be good at planning, executing, and dealing with failures. These experiences will help you become more resourceful and strategic, which you can surely use as you go on with your career planning.

Cecile Peterkin is a certified career and retirement coach, and a registered member of the Career Professionals of Canada and the International Coach Federation. She is also the Founder and Senior Career Strategist at Cosmic Coaching Center, provider of career and life management services for middle managers and mid-career professionals across Canada, United States and Europe.

Return to top

The views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.