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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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4 answers
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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