The school curriculum and getting good grades has been effective in career building and getting a good job. However, due to economic development, good grades are not enough. You may do well but miss out on a job. This is because you may lack some skills the employer is keen on. Such skills are relevant to employment in the 21st century and the technology-based era. Students and graduates should do their best to learn these skills. They will give you a competitive edge in the modern economy. Here is a list of four of such skills.
Teamwork and Collaboration
One of the key skills you require today is to be a team player. Unfortunately, the school curriculum promotes personal achievement more than teamwork. This makes students focus more on individual work. They view other students as competition instead of colleagues. You might transfer this attitude to the workplace. However, your employer will expect everyone to be a team player.
Team members should communicate ideas and concepts effectively. They should compromise and even share credit in projects where it’s required of them. This makes them good and valuable team members of the organization. The modern economy requires people to work as a team more than individuals. Managing and delivering projects on time, meeting the set budget is not a one-person job.
Problem-Solving Skills
Companies face complex problems and issues all the time. The changing economic times have led to an increase in the demand for problem solvers. Problem-solving is a skill that can be learned. You need to possess the capacity to analyze situations, define the possible solutions and contingencies, implementing solutions and monitoring them. You can start by solving simple everyday problems then gradually grow to more complex ones. Employers are looking for people who can help their companies streamline processes and tackle setbacks. So, to your general course programme, ensure that you gain problem-solving skills.
Adaptability to economic development
Change is a very huge constant in the modern world of business. Employers are looking for individuals who are not only qualified but are flexible and can adjust to any shifts in the market. Flexibility applies to areas like new technologies, competition from new entrants and new business models. Such changes require you to think on your feet and act accordingly to maximize the business bottom line.
Knowledge and Use of Relevant Technology
In this day and age, use and knowledge of relevant technology is an almost obvious requirement. Regardless of industry or role, you need to be aware and conversant with the appropriate technology. To stay ahead of the competition, stay abreast with the current technology in your role and industry.
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