What students need to succeed in the business world (2023)

Students: Are you preparing to be "work ready"?

Simply put, when you're ready to go, you can move from campus to corporate life relatively easily. It's about combining experience and skills to help you find a job and stay employed after graduation.

Being ready for work may not seem like a big deal - after all, you're on your way to earning a shiny new degree. What else do you need? But to be employed these days, a degree alone is not enough. Actually from the beginning of 202353% of recent US college graduates were unemployed or underemployed.

In addition to your education, employers are looking for candidates with well-developed soft skills, such as communicativeness, resilience, optimism, curiosity, the ability to learn, responsibility, accountability and reliability. We all have these qualities to some degree, but to be ready to go, you need to learn how to focus and how to use them.

While you may assume that job readiness is something you can ignore until your final year of college, you can make sure you have employment from the moment you enter campus after graduation. Here are five ways to start building those skills from day one of college.

Come to class in person.

If you have the opportunity to attend classes in person, do so.

In today's virtual world, we can fool ourselves into believing that online classes are always more convenient and effective. Sometimes that may be true. There is no doubt about the benefits of studying online for distance learners or those in less favorable socio-economic circumstances. And when you combine school with a full-time or part-time job, the flexibility of online courses offered can be a lifesaver.

However, this same flexibility has some disadvantages. The trade-off is the lack of structured engagement and less face-to-face interaction. In the comfort of your own home, distractions can be tempting and staying focused on a task can be difficult. It is no surprise that despite the convenience and benefits of online education, completion rates forof many programs is quite low,only about 15% of Open University students graduate with a degree or other qualification.

By default, online learning emphasizes technical skills over soft skills development. When most interactions take place via a screen, you miss the opportunity to practice skills such as reading body language, observing non-verbal cues, and discovering and sharing your unique communication style. In-person courses, on the other hand, expose you to a much greater variety of different people and are often designed to encourage relationship building and discussion. They force you to show up and be present, listen actively, and ask thoughtful questions.

This kind of dedication will help you develop the discipline needed to be a reliable, punctual team member. It holds you accountable and teaches you how to talk to others with respect. Teamwork, cooperation and the development of interpersonal skills are standard values ​​of physical presence. Employers evaluate the ability to work in a teamone of the most important characteristics of graduates.

Find a part-time job.

It is not uncommon for students to commute to workfull-time or part-time jobwhile at school. Many need help with tuition and living expenses. This comes with challenges - time management and work-life balance - but there are also a number of benefits.

After all, there's no better way to prepare for the workforce than by being part of it, even if it's just a few hours a week. For example, extra table work can be a great way to develop your interpersonal, communication and presentation skills. For example, working in retail gives you the opportunity to practice listening, building trust and influencing customers. Almost every job requires some level of problem solving and increases self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

Working part-time can also help you feel more comfortable taking guidance from others, getting feedback, and asking questions to help you understand tasks. You'll get used to the brief discomfort most people feel after they inevitably make mistakes. Instead of letting it hold you back, practice learning, pick yourself up, and move forward. Your stamina and immunity will increase. And of course, having work experience on your resume will show future employers that you are a responsible person who can be trusted to show up and deliver. Your part-time job may seem petty now, but hiring managers want to know if you've mastered the basics before you join them.

Finally, when considering a part-time job, try to find a job you enjoy and want to pursue. Think about what you like to do in your free time or what direction you want to move. Is there a feature that can give more exposure to these areas? If you keep the candlestick burning on both sides - between school and work - you will have a hard time finding energy and achieving excellence in both areas. Choosing a job that aligns with your long-term goals can keep you motivated.

Safe practices.

Internships can similarly help prepare you for work, but there's an important difference: Internships are often more directly related to your degree or career goals. Finding an internship in an organization or industry you want to pursue after college can be extremely valuable. Not only will you learn how to navigate the day-to-day life of your future career, but you'll also practice soft and hard skills that directly relate to the positions you could apply for after graduation.

In addition, internships give you the opportunity to interact with recruiting managers and make a good impression on the people you work with. Companies are always looking for talent, and one of the ways organizations find great people is by hiring interns who have the potential to progress to a full-time position. If you take the opportunity to showcase your skills and add value to the teams you work with and the projects you undertake, there may be a job waiting for you after your internship.

Always put your best foot forward. During your internship, be curious (arrange meetings with your teammates and ask about their work), stay on top of your to-do list early (show passion and enthusiasm for tasks), and raise your hand when the opportunity arises (take on flexible projects that show your skills and add work to your portfolio).

Join the club.

Universities have a range of clubs where you can get involved and study: sports, political associations, social initiatives and other professional opportunities.

Clubs are a great place to connect with people outside of your area of ​​expertise. Being in a diverse social group increases your interpersonal skills as well as your social and intellectual awareness.

Many clubs also host events or outings with outside guests and vendors, allowing you to meet successful leaders or professionals who are in your areas of interest.

In addition to networking, you can include these extracurricular activities on your resume to highlight soft skills such as teamwork, communication, confidence, and leadership. This effectively shows employers what your interests are and provides insight into who you are and what is important to you.

Build your network.

Without a network, it's hard to break into the industry. Being ready for work is more than mastering the skills to prepare you for work, it is also building relationships with people who will give you the recommendations, contacts and support you need to start your career. Many people are afraid of networking, see it as a deal, or want to avoid it at all costs. However, at the core of networking is building mutually beneficial relationships, sharing information and giving to others. Most importantly, it can help you find your first job.

How do you build the network? Think about where you spend most of your time: taking classes in college, working part-time, doing an internship at a company, or hanging out at social clubs. These are all great places to connect with others. In each of these environments, make it your goal to find the one contact that will help you advance your career after graduation - whether it's a reference, a supportive friend, or even a trusted colleague who can provide feedback on your resume.

One of the easiest ways to build a network is to connect with professors. When applying for jobs, they can serve as great character references and may want to connect you with specialists in your field. Make a good impression by showing up (or registering) for class on time, completing assignments on time, and participating thoughtfully in group discussions. Similarly, your job or internship manager can be a valuable reference point. Show them that you are punctual, reliable and strive to do a job that highlights your unique skills. If you grow in college or work, people will want to help you.

Finally, don't forget to connect with people at all levels when networking. Don't be afraid to message the CEO of the company you're interning at, reach out to the senior who runs your favorite club on campus, or ask your professor for a coffee. Today, networking isn't just about building relationships - it's about building relationships with people who can help you have a long career. Promote your contacts during your studies and in later years. Contact your network if you need advice, if you want to share something in their area of ​​interest, or even just to check and let them know what you're up to.

. . .

Finding a job after college requires more than just updating your resume. For entry-level positions, employers want to see how easily you can transition from school to the corporate world. You must demonstrate that you have the skills and experience to work with others, add value and be accountable for your work. Willingness to work puts you on the path to being ready for life. Don't wait... start now.