College education is not bounded to classrooms and labs. Neither it is bounded to attaining expertise over technicality of any subject. Using the classroom learning and technical expertise in the real world is what matters today. Degrees earned in higher education levels will remain priceless for a lifetime. But if it is supported by hands-on experience in the corporate world, it becomes easier to standout in this era of cut throat competition. Good grades and great people skills are ideal for getting a good job. Hence, there are some skills like speaking power with perfect vocabulary, creativity with originality, teamwork, adaptability, critical observation, conflict resolution, and leadership are important to have. Stepping outside the college premises will help to gain these.
Let’s look at the skills that you can develop before stepping into the real corporate world or the first day of your job.
1. Project Management Skills
Taking a key role in college organizations or getting involved in a topnotch project based internship is one of the finest ways to gather project management skills. As stated by Rory Burkes, Irish Rugby Union Player, “Project management can be defined as a way of developing structure in a complex project, where the independent variables of time, cost, resources and human behavior come together”, which can only be learnt by taking up managerial roles. Management skills that are developed during the learning period include budgeting, organizational management, team developing, leadership, conflict solving and making strategies.
2. Personality Development
It is critical for networking and taking part in community events. It can be learnt by hit and trial method and through multiple failures during college. American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker Jim Rohn has defined personality development as - “Income seldom exceeds personal development”. Therefore, growth is always important at every professional level. And growth is achieved by failing. Skills build include communication skills, interpersonal communication, listening, multitasking, work-life balance, social & professional manners, introspection, healthy habits, self determination & motivation, value identification, accountability, integrity, self actualization, personal identification, analyzing strengths & weaknesses.
3. Team Player
Working in a team is an inevitable part of professional life. Hence, it is always suggested to develop collaborative skills, maturity, discipline and patience. These skills at college can be attained by hosting college main events. "Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work" said by Vince Lombardi, Former American football player rightly describes the any complicated task is achieved by teamwork. The skills that are honed are team building, teaching, training, value creation, inclusive leadership, inspiring and constructive criticism.
4. Creative Skills
"The creative adult is the child who survived" by Ursula K. Le Guin, American author, perfectly defines that creativity is a major skill demanded by the corporate world at present. It is an invaluable skill to have which can be learnt through performing brainstorming activities, asking questions, solving real-world problems and showing interest to know. Skills like problem solving by involving creative steps, growth mindset development and critical thinking skills are obtained through creative skills enhancement.
5. Feedback
Staying calm and composed at every corporate hurdle is essential. Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool Football Club Manager earlier stated that “The challenge is to stay cool enough to handle the pressure in the moment so that you can succeed in the future.” In corporate world, pressure moments are part and parcel. So, corporate exposure during college education is vital. It prepares an individual for the rest of professional career to take proper steps during challenging hours.
