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What are the most important skills I should focus on developing to advance in my career? #Fall24
I am currently a senior graduating in May, with my major being Communications. I currently in the process of applying to internships. Not sure exactly what I want to do specifically.
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6 answers
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Kudos on your insightful query! My experience at a major international marketing and communications firm, where I've mentored numerous beginners, has equipped me with valuable insights. Now, let's imagine you've secured your internship or first job. Here's how to make a lasting impression:
1. Exceed expectations: If assigned a task, not only complete it diligently but also aim to enhance it. Suppose you're asked to compile a list of journalists specializing in a certain subject. Alongside the list, provide an analysis of each journalist's style and themes, supported by their articles. This extra effort will not only enrich your knowledge but also demonstrate your in-depth understanding, offer your manager innovative ideas, and earn their trust by exceeding the task requirements.
2. Be proactive: Managers may not always have time to assign tasks. Try to foresee what would be helpful and take initiative. For instance, if there's a new client selling granola bars, conduct a social media audit on the topic. Identify trends, influencers, and popular content. Summarize your findings in a concise format for your manager. This proactive approach will add immense value, earn your manager's trust, and lead to more significant tasks.
3. Stay ahead: Stand out by being proactive. If you know your manager has a client meeting every Wednesday and often struggles to prepare the agenda, send them a draft agenda on Monday. This will show your understanding of the business, your initiative, and earn their trust.
4. Keep records: Always document meetings meticulously and be ready to share your notes. As the most junior member, you might be expected to take notes. Be prepared to provide detailed notes and follow-up actions after every meeting.
In conclusion, the manner in which you work can be as significant as the work itself. While we can teach you communication skills, your attitude, initiative, and ability to add value will distinguish you from the rest.
1. Exceed expectations: If assigned a task, not only complete it diligently but also aim to enhance it. Suppose you're asked to compile a list of journalists specializing in a certain subject. Alongside the list, provide an analysis of each journalist's style and themes, supported by their articles. This extra effort will not only enrich your knowledge but also demonstrate your in-depth understanding, offer your manager innovative ideas, and earn their trust by exceeding the task requirements.
2. Be proactive: Managers may not always have time to assign tasks. Try to foresee what would be helpful and take initiative. For instance, if there's a new client selling granola bars, conduct a social media audit on the topic. Identify trends, influencers, and popular content. Summarize your findings in a concise format for your manager. This proactive approach will add immense value, earn your manager's trust, and lead to more significant tasks.
3. Stay ahead: Stand out by being proactive. If you know your manager has a client meeting every Wednesday and often struggles to prepare the agenda, send them a draft agenda on Monday. This will show your understanding of the business, your initiative, and earn their trust.
4. Keep records: Always document meetings meticulously and be ready to share your notes. As the most junior member, you might be expected to take notes. Be prepared to provide detailed notes and follow-up actions after every meeting.
In conclusion, the manner in which you work can be as significant as the work itself. While we can teach you communication skills, your attitude, initiative, and ability to add value will distinguish you from the rest.
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Hi Dayana,
You're already on the right path with 1/ asking this great question!; 2/ applying for internships. Being curious and open-minded is a great skill to have in any and all jobs and industries. It will help you be open to learning, networking and evolving!
In a lot of roles, I would say that relationship-building is key. Especially in the world we live in today, that tends to be very virtual, it's important to be proactive about reaching out to people (a tad harder on zoom than in the hallway).
Being honest is also an important one. It may seem obvious, but in the work place it can be tough - whether it's giving feedback or knowing how to ask for help. But it will help you be true to yourself.
Lastly, I second Joanne's comment on presenting! It's something you'll have to do in likely any role you end up in, and it's not always easy at first. The more you practice, the easier it will get!
Good luck!
Julia
You're already on the right path with 1/ asking this great question!; 2/ applying for internships. Being curious and open-minded is a great skill to have in any and all jobs and industries. It will help you be open to learning, networking and evolving!
In a lot of roles, I would say that relationship-building is key. Especially in the world we live in today, that tends to be very virtual, it's important to be proactive about reaching out to people (a tad harder on zoom than in the hallway).
Being honest is also an important one. It may seem obvious, but in the work place it can be tough - whether it's giving feedback or knowing how to ask for help. But it will help you be true to yourself.
Lastly, I second Joanne's comment on presenting! It's something you'll have to do in likely any role you end up in, and it's not always easy at first. The more you practice, the easier it will get!
Good luck!
Julia
Updated
Noble’s Answer
It’s completely normal not to know exactly what you want to do yet—your major in communications gives you plenty of options. Focus on internships that interest you or help you build skills like writing, marketing, public relations, or social media management. These areas are versatile and will let you explore what you enjoy.
Think about what you’re naturally drawn to: Do you like talking to people, storytelling, or analyzing data? Use internships to test the waters and gain experience. Even if it’s not your dream role, you’ll learn valuable skills and figure out what works for you. Take it step by step—your career path doesn’t have to be linear!
Think about what you’re naturally drawn to: Do you like talking to people, storytelling, or analyzing data? Use internships to test the waters and gain experience. Even if it’s not your dream role, you’ll learn valuable skills and figure out what works for you. Take it step by step—your career path doesn’t have to be linear!
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
The most important skill you can cultivate is just practicing doing communications work. Any opportunity to try your hand at writing and producing content will be useful. Even volunteer work is valuable. Expertise is just a function of practice. Internships are especially useful because you get more organizational context for all the things around the actual work that can help you understand what is feeding into assignments and how communications connects to the rest of an organization.
In a post-COVID world, you may not be working with people in person as much, so another skill you can work on is being very proactive about making connections. When you aren't down the hall and sitting physically in meetings, it makes a big difference to speak up, reach out to people, and volunteer to help wherever you can. It also teaches you how to think about problems and not need to wait to be told what to do. One of the biggest traits for success is being self-directed, and that takes practice too.
Otherwise, on a technical side, the more tools you know how to use to create content, the better. You can always use online tutorials and practice making things, so you're not limited to a specific handful of things you can create or ways to create them.
In a post-COVID world, you may not be working with people in person as much, so another skill you can work on is being very proactive about making connections. When you aren't down the hall and sitting physically in meetings, it makes a big difference to speak up, reach out to people, and volunteer to help wherever you can. It also teaches you how to think about problems and not need to wait to be told what to do. One of the biggest traits for success is being self-directed, and that takes practice too.
Otherwise, on a technical side, the more tools you know how to use to create content, the better. You can always use online tutorials and practice making things, so you're not limited to a specific handful of things you can create or ways to create them.
I appreciate your support, Joseph
Dayana
Updated
J’s Answer
Hello Dayana.
This is a great question! There are several key skills to focus on before graduating from college. First, strong interpersonal skills are important. Interpersonal skills help you effectively connect with others. Additionally, cultivating creative and critical thinking skills will set you apart.
Be sure to practice your interviewing skills—your school's career development center can be a valuable resource for this. While leadership skills are important, being able to work both independently and as part of a team is equally crucial.
Lastly, developing self-care skills (i.e., time and stress management) needed to take care of yourself is important as well. There is only one you, and taking care of yourself will maintain your well-being in all parts of your life.
I hope this helps.
This is a great question! There are several key skills to focus on before graduating from college. First, strong interpersonal skills are important. Interpersonal skills help you effectively connect with others. Additionally, cultivating creative and critical thinking skills will set you apart.
Be sure to practice your interviewing skills—your school's career development center can be a valuable resource for this. While leadership skills are important, being able to work both independently and as part of a team is equally crucial.
Lastly, developing self-care skills (i.e., time and stress management) needed to take care of yourself is important as well. There is only one you, and taking care of yourself will maintain your well-being in all parts of your life.
I hope this helps.
Thank you!
Dayana
Updated
Joanne’s Answer
Dayana,
You are on the right path by applying for internships.
In communication, networking, opportunity, variety, and experience count. Go after opportunities big and small -
Join clubs and organizations - and not necessarily the ones you are comfortable with - learn new things and meet new people
Practice greeting people - eye contact, a smile, a word, a gesture
Read inspiring and communication-oriented journals, blogs, websites, etc., and look for people to follow and learn from
Look for opportunities to volunteer
Present as often as you can - get used to standing and delivering so you can do so with ease
Be honest, direct, and enthusiastic about what you are asked or asked to do
Write and read - learn
Put your skills and talents out there - if you like music, for example, there are so many communication jobs, from critic and reviewer to promotions and marketing to production manager
All the best.
You are on the right path by applying for internships.
In communication, networking, opportunity, variety, and experience count. Go after opportunities big and small -
Join clubs and organizations - and not necessarily the ones you are comfortable with - learn new things and meet new people
Practice greeting people - eye contact, a smile, a word, a gesture
Read inspiring and communication-oriented journals, blogs, websites, etc., and look for people to follow and learn from
Look for opportunities to volunteer
Present as often as you can - get used to standing and delivering so you can do so with ease
Be honest, direct, and enthusiastic about what you are asked or asked to do
Write and read - learn
Put your skills and talents out there - if you like music, for example, there are so many communication jobs, from critic and reviewer to promotions and marketing to production manager
All the best.
Thank you, Joanne!
Dayana