04/05/2001
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Once you've graduated, you'll take on the working world in style. But will you be able to prove that you're not just another pretty face? Here are a few skills you'll want to develop before you get out into the competitive reality of today's job market.
Put Forth The Effort
The difference between an average job candidate and one employers want to hire is the ability to go above and beyond. As you pursue your class work and extra-curricular activities, don't simply follow directions. Train yourself to see what extra things you can do to take your work a step beyond.
It might be something like doing extra research for a seminar paper. Or creating a better filing system in a part-time job. Or finding ways to improve participation in your favorite club. Don't settle for merely doing the work. Take ownership of your projects and take your efforts beyond the average.
Specialize & Generalize
To do well in a career, it's important that you learn everything about it. Read journals and subscribe to news groups that are specific to your field.
But don't stop there. Take classes outside of your area and read general interest newspapers and magazines. Your outside interests and well-rounded understanding of world events will impress in interview and bring a new perspective to your field.
Know a second language
We live in a global economy. If you can communicate in another language, you'll be respected by international clients and have an advantage over your monolingual co-workers.
Master Your Native Language
Knowing another language won't impress if you can't communicate in your own. Spell-check everything you write and buy a language style book to check punctuation and grammar. Also, read challenging material and look up words you don't know to improve your vocabulary.
Keep Up Your Math Skills
It's obvious that bankers, accountants and engineers need math to do their jobs. But math skills are important in other jobs as well. Brush up your skills so you can calculate budgets, percentages, interest rates or net profits.
Learn How To Use Computers
Computers are more important every day. If you want to keep up, you'd better get to know them. This means getting some training in word-processing, spreadsheet and database software. It also helps to learn some basic programming. Familiarize yourself with hardware like computers, printers and scanners, and learn how to use Internet for research and information. Even improving your typing speed can make you a better job candidate.
Be A Team Player
Participation in clubs and sports demonstrates that you work well on a team and have good communication and interpersonal skills. The modern-day workplace emphasizes collaboration, so get some experience under your belt that proves you're able to work with others.
Be A Leader
Employers like to see people with initiative and motivation. Take leading roles in a club or on the job. If you don't like any of the clubs or jobs on your campus, start your own!
Volunteer
Not only do volunteer opportunities make you feel good about yourself, they give you marketable skills and demonstrate your initiative.
You can't 'cram' for your first job. But if you prepare yourself by developing skills that are in demand, you'll be able to compete for the best jobs in today's market.
(c) 2001 FastWeb.comThe 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.