Key Skills for Students Entering the Workplace

Taking your first step on the career ladder can feel daunting, but there are lots of tips and skills that will help you along the way. Whether you would like to work in the technological field or the corporate industry, it takes time to develop your desired career pathway so receiving useful advice is very important at the beginning of your career. We have taken some tips from our Intel FutureGen programme on top skills that you should develop at the start of your career that are applicable to all sectors. (You may also want to get in touch with the 1 Hour Project if applicable). 

Soft Skills You Should Develop

Soft skills are non-technical skills related to how you work and are something that most employers will be looking for. They do not only demonstrate your ability to work but also how well you can work. Here are five important soft skills that you should develop:

1. Communication

Effective communication is vital. This includes both written and verbal communication skills, which allows you to express thoughts, ideas and feelings and foster understanding and collaboration. This could happen from interpersonal conversations with your peers and clients, writing business correspondence and reports, to focusing and retaining information from a speaker with follow-up questions. 

2. Problem Solving 

Problem solving skills are equally essential as it demonstrates your ability to showcase the capacity to analyse situations and generate innovative solutions to an obstacle. This typically includes identifying an issue, researching and creating possible solutions, and evaluating the effects of a possible solution. Experience and knowledge will certainly help, hence, keeping up-to-date with industry trends and news is important. 

3. Organisation 

Organisational skills refer to your ability to adhere to effective and efficient processes while at work. They predominantly contribute to the overall productivity and success of individuals and teams. One essential organisational skill is time management, which adheres to ensuring tasks are completed and deadlines are met in a timely manner whilst workloads are balanced. 

4. Teamwork

Teamwork is the cornerstone of a successful workplace as it enhances efficiency, leverages diverse skill sets and fosters innovation. Teams are often formed to accomplish specific objectives. Apart from effective communication, team members can provide mutual support, from shared knowledge, skill sets to encouragements. Such collaboration also builds trust and promotes strong working relationships.

5. Digital Literacy 

Digital literacy is increasingly important as the digital transformation of the world has accelerated. With the increasing reliance on technology across all industries, encompassing proficiency in various software tools and platforms is important to streamline tasks and foster workplace flexibility. It is important for you to learn about Office 365, which includes Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook. Besides, increasing your cybersecurity awareness is important to reduce the risk of data breaches and ensure the protection of your company’s sensitive information. 

Developing Your Skills during University 

Early careers recruiters understand that students have limited or no professional experience. However, there are definitely certain ways that you can develop your skills during your university study. 

1. Being a committee member of a society at your university

Participating in extracurricular activities through a university society allows you to interact with other students. As a committee member, you are entitled to different objectives, ranging from organising activities for members to communicating externally for resources. 

2. Taking free online courses with certificates

While every industry has become increasingly reliant on digital tools, many sites online courses are available for you to enrol for free, and will give you a free certificate upon your completion. Here are some of the free resources:

• LinkedIn Learning with Lynda
• Accenture | Digital Skills
• Alison
• Coursera
• Udemy
• Google Learning

These courses have the potential to assist you in developing practical skills and knowledge, carving out a niche within your profession, and remaining current in rapidly evolving sectors.