How College Students Can Develop In-Demand Skills for Jobs

Essential skills for college students: How to build a strong career foundation

In today’s time, just getting a degree is not enough. If you are studying in college and want to make a successful career, then you need to learn a lot beyond the books.

Companies today are looking for such youth who not only score good marks, but also have practical understanding, knowledge of technology, habit of working in a team and leadership ability.

In this article, we will know how college students can learn those important skills which are in demand in every company and every sector.

1. Learning from experience – that is, Experiential Learning

You must have heard – “Learning is best when we try it ourselves.” This opportunity is available in abundance in college. You just need to openly embrace these opportunities.

• Internship – Learn the work and connect with the professional world
  Internship means working in a company for a few weeks or months. It connects your studies with the real world.
  Example:
  If you are studying journalism, you can get experience of real reporting, writing and editing by becoming an intern in a news channel.
  This not only enhances skills but also creates a professional network, which helps in finding a job in future.
• Research project – Give more depth to thinking
  If you are in engineering, science or social subjects, then becoming a part of a research project can be very beneficial for you.
  It increases your analytical thinking, ability to understand data and problem solving power.
• Extracurricular activities – Identify talent
  College clubs, teams and groups help to bring out the hidden leader in you.
  • By participating in debate club, you can learn the art of public speaking.
  • NSS or Rotaract Club develops leadership and social sense through social service.
  • Drama, music and sports increase self-confidence.
• Study Abroad Program – New Countries, New Thinking
  If you have the opportunity to study abroad, this experience will broaden your thinking. The language, culture and study methods of a different country make you more self-reliant.
  This experience not only increases your knowledge but also gives you a different identity in job interviews.
• Co-operative Program – Study and Work Together
  Some colleges have such programs in which students work regularly in a company along with studying. This also increases your professional experience with every semester.

2. Essential skills that are useful everywhere

In today’s era, some basic skills are required in every field. Let’s understand them in detail:

• Communication Skills – The way of speaking
  If you are not able to convey your idea to others in a correct and effective manner, then your ability remains incomplete.
  Ways to improve:
  • Participate in public speaking
  • Write a blog or contribute to the college magazine
  • Prepare and speak during class presentations
  • Learn new languages (like English, Hindi, French)
• Teamwork – Moving forward together
  A good team is the key to success. When you learn to work together with others, your understanding, tolerance and sense of cooperation strengthens.
  How to learn:
  • Take the lead in a group project
  • Volunteer in an NGO
  • Be a part of a sports team or club
• Problem Solving
  Problems arise in every job. The company wants the employees not to panic, but to find solutions.
  Ways to learn:
  • Do case study analysis
  • Play online puzzles and logic games
  • Work on complex projects
• Digital Literacy – Friendship with technology
  Today nothing is possible without technology. In every job profile, you will have to use some digital tool.
  What to learn:
  • Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint
  • Canva, Google Docs, Google Sheets
  • Video editing, website building, basic coding
• Networking – connecting with the right people
  Today’s career is not just based on studies, but also on who you know.
  How to network:
  • Create a profile on LinkedIn
  • Join professional groups
  • Attend career fairs and seminars
  • Connect with college alumni
• Leadership – Leadership ability
  Every institution is looking for people who can give direction to the team. To become a leader, you have to prepare yourself.
  How to prepare:
  • Organize college events
  • Take positions in clubs (like president, secretary)
  • Join student council in school/college
  • Attend leadership workshops

3. Online resources – the whole world in your pocket

Today there is no need to go anywhere to gain knowledge. Just having a smartphone and internet is enough.

• Online course platforms
  • Coursera: Courses from the world’s largest universities
  • edX: Certified courses from institutions like MIT, Harvard
  • Udemy: Affordable platform to teach small and big skills
• YouTube and tutorials
  If you want to learn, YouTube has videos on every subject –
  Whether you want to learn Photoshop, C++ or Digital Marketing.
  Some other great sites are:
  • W3Schools – for web development
  • Khan Academy – for maths and science
  • GeeksForGeeks – for programming
• Mentorship programs
  The guidance of an experienced person can be invaluable for a career.
  Where to connect:
  • Take advice from college faculty or seniors
  • Join platforms like LinkedIn Mentorship, ADPList
  • Participate in Career Guidance Workshops

4. Show your skills – at the right place , Properly

It is also important to show people what you have learned. Because if you are not able to present your ability, then no one will appreciate it.

• Update resume and LinkedIn
  • Add your skills, courses and experience
  • Highlight projects and achievements
  • Link certificates, blogs and portfolio
• Tell confidently in the interview
  Don’t just say in the interview that “I have learned Excel”, but tell that “I used Excel in the research project to do data analysis which made the reports 20% more accurate.”

Conclusion – College time, time to prepare for the future

College time should not be limited only to classrooms, exams and numbers. This is the time when you can:

• Discover yourself
• Learn new skills
• And lay a strong foundation for your career

If you do an internship, work on your skills, learn online and connect with the right people, you can go a long way in your career.