7 answers
Addison
Student
Jupiter, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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What are the most important skills I should focus on developing during my time in college to ensure that I stand out in the competitive job market after graduation?
What are the most important skills I should focus on developing during my time in college to ensure that I stand out in the competitive job market after graduation? Are there specific technical skills, soft skills, or industry-related competencies that employers highly value across different fields? Additionally, what kind of extracurricular opportunities, internships, research projects, or leadership experiences should I seek out while in college to maximize my learning, build a strong resume, and make meaningful connections that will benefit my career in the long run? #Spring25
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7 answers
Sunita Wadekar
QA Auditor
12
Answers
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Sunita’s Answer
You can study business with a focus of Entrepreneurship or fashion management,and take a few short courses in fashion technology for digital marketing. joint college program or clubs related to business or fashion and try to get intership with fashion startups. This will be help you will build real experience and prepare you for a job a fashion business or tech- based fashion companies after graduation
Laura Morgan
Direct Mail Marketing
4
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Laura’s Answer
In my career, I've noticed that the leaders and coworkers who really make a difference are the ones who ask smart questions. They inspire me to do the same to stay competitive and succeed. Being curious and questioning the usual ways of thinking, or offering a new viewpoint, can truly help you stand out.
Juan Pablo Ramirez
Change Management Lead
1
Answer
Guadalajara
Updated
Juan Pablo’s Answer
Hi Addison, really good question!
From my experience, I can tell you that what helped me stand out from the other candidates were my soft skills. I'd say that corporations are aware that an intern doesn't always have a ton of technical experience, as it's usually their first job. However, something that I've learned is that the technical side can be easily learned, whereas soft skills take a little longer to develop.
I'd recommend you join any volunteering activities or clubs that can help you develop some soft skills like communication, teamwork, critical thinking, executive/business presentations, etc.
Hope this helps. Wishing you all the best in your career!
Best,
JP
From my experience, I can tell you that what helped me stand out from the other candidates were my soft skills. I'd say that corporations are aware that an intern doesn't always have a ton of technical experience, as it's usually their first job. However, something that I've learned is that the technical side can be easily learned, whereas soft skills take a little longer to develop.
I'd recommend you join any volunteering activities or clubs that can help you develop some soft skills like communication, teamwork, critical thinking, executive/business presentations, etc.
Hope this helps. Wishing you all the best in your career!
Best,
JP
Tony Roig
Volunteer
74
Answers
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi Addison,
Good that your thinking ahead about making the most of your college experience including how to best prepare yourself for work after graduation.
As a former recruitment manager with many years of experience working with hiring managers in various Industries, I have found, and research supports this, they all desire graduates with similar attributes which include
Communication.
Problem solving.
Organisation, planning or management.
Enthusiasm or willingness to learn.
Flexibility.
Teamwork.
Commercial awareness.
Relevant experience
Computer/technology proficiency
So, seek experiences that help develop these through internships, jobs,volunteering, clubs/organizations, classes, projects, etc.
Also, consider taking a study skills assessment to help you optimize and improve your study habits so you can get the most out of your academic experience as well and allow you more time.
All the best,
Tony
Good that your thinking ahead about making the most of your college experience including how to best prepare yourself for work after graduation.
As a former recruitment manager with many years of experience working with hiring managers in various Industries, I have found, and research supports this, they all desire graduates with similar attributes which include
Communication.
Problem solving.
Organisation, planning or management.
Enthusiasm or willingness to learn.
Flexibility.
Teamwork.
Commercial awareness.
Relevant experience
Computer/technology proficiency
So, seek experiences that help develop these through internships, jobs,volunteering, clubs/organizations, classes, projects, etc.
Also, consider taking a study skills assessment to help you optimize and improve your study habits so you can get the most out of your academic experience as well and allow you more time.
All the best,
Tony
Krishawna Crum
Credentialing Assistant 3
7
Answers
Oxford, Mississippi
Updated
Krishawna’s Answer
Thank you for asking such a thoughtful question! The best way to grow is by getting "hands-on" experience. Try to find internships, externships, or volunteer work. Even if an opportunity doesn't match your major exactly, think about how it might still help you. For instance, if you want to work in public service, look for chances to connect with people. If you're aiming for a career in sports, seek out opportunities that involve teamwork or health. Keep exploring and learning!
Look up what skills are needed for the major you are considering
Once you determine the necessary skills, think of those you know who are possibly doing what you think you want to do and ask them what avenues, courses did they take to be where they are.
Then take a career test to see what careers you would possibly be interested in.
Krishawna recommends the following next steps:
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
170
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Apply for internships. Very important. Learn to not take things personally in business. If you get bad feedback, be thankful that you are getting it and can correct behaviors. Having the emotional intelligence to understand that a person in a business role has a function and do not overshare what you do outside of work or your political, religious opinions. Keep it separate and you will do well.
Catherine Berg
4
Answers
Updated
Catherine’s Answer
Hi Addison!
Here are a few things I would look for if I were hiring someone right out of college:
1. Skills in AI. Every job can use AI to their advantage, and if you get ahead of it now, you'll be in a better spot to sell yourself in the future. Learn how AI applies to your industry, how you can use it to do your work faster and smarter. Showcase this as a key skill when creating a resume and interviewing, but have clear examples how to back it up.
2. Learn to think strategically and analytically and ensure you can problem solve. While AI is such an important tool, it's also good to not rely on it 100% to make your decisions or do all of your thinking. Build up your brain muscle to know how to solve problems and think things through on your own.
3. People skills, just being comfortable speaking to people, seeing them in person, keeping your camera on during remote meetings. Really just being OK having a conversation and selling yourself. Be confident, trust in your skills and be open if you don't know something, but show willingness to learn.
4. Real-life experience through internships or work you have done on your own. You are just starting out, but there are ways to get involved with volunteer work, school clubs, internships, etc. that can show you what it will take for you to make it at your first job, and some examples of how you've already experienced that.
In general, just small things like being on time, having respect for your managers/colleagues, willingness to pitch in and learn new things will all help to set you apart.
Good luck!
Here are a few things I would look for if I were hiring someone right out of college:
1. Skills in AI. Every job can use AI to their advantage, and if you get ahead of it now, you'll be in a better spot to sell yourself in the future. Learn how AI applies to your industry, how you can use it to do your work faster and smarter. Showcase this as a key skill when creating a resume and interviewing, but have clear examples how to back it up.
2. Learn to think strategically and analytically and ensure you can problem solve. While AI is such an important tool, it's also good to not rely on it 100% to make your decisions or do all of your thinking. Build up your brain muscle to know how to solve problems and think things through on your own.
3. People skills, just being comfortable speaking to people, seeing them in person, keeping your camera on during remote meetings. Really just being OK having a conversation and selling yourself. Be confident, trust in your skills and be open if you don't know something, but show willingness to learn.
4. Real-life experience through internships or work you have done on your own. You are just starting out, but there are ways to get involved with volunteer work, school clubs, internships, etc. that can show you what it will take for you to make it at your first job, and some examples of how you've already experienced that.
In general, just small things like being on time, having respect for your managers/colleagues, willingness to pitch in and learn new things will all help to set you apart.
Good luck!