In high school, most students are working towards the goal of getting into college – reaching the next step in their academic career. But what is the purpose of a college education? Is it to become a more well-rounded person who embraces different perspectives and has a greater understanding of our global community? Of course. However, students must also demonstrate requisite core competencies that enable them to succeed outside of an academic environment, as they prepare to launch their careers.
In our constantly evolving world, education tends to focus on the theoretical and conceptual – providing an intellectual education without the essential, accompanying practical skills. Experiential opportunities like internships, which offer students opportunities to develop practical skills, are vital to a student’s progression but are not readily available. Yet, it’s more necessary than ever that educational experiences incorporate career readiness into their curriculum.
Career readiness is an initial, basic requirement when applying for internships and launching careers. Students who exhibit the requisite skills have an easier time transitioning from academia to the workforce. These skills include:
- Self-Development Skills. Students should demonstrate that they’re aware of their own strengths and skills that still need to be developed. Students should identify career goals and learn to advocate for themselves. Displaying curiosity, actively seeking opportunities to learn, is essential. Students should also be willing to take on any positions that demonstrate an eagerness to grow in a career-setting and should be able to multi-task in fast-paced environments. Finally, students should look to develop relationships with people in their areas of interest.
- Communication Skills. Students can begin to hone their communication skills throughout their educational journey. Career-ready students demonstrate strong verbal, written, and non-verbal communication skills. They are active listeners and communicate clearly, in an organized manner. Plus, they are aware if their audience needs further clarification regarding what they are saying. Career-ready students ask appropriate questions and know how to ask for help in an appropriate manner. Career-ready students also use their strong communications skills to network – with professors, with peers, and with alumni as well.
- Critical Thinking Skills. Like communication skills, these skills that can be developed in high school and college settings. Career-ready students are strong problem solvers who use sound judgment and reasoning skills. They know how to thoroughly research and analyze information from multiple sources. Moreover, they can effectively summarize and interpret data, effectively communicate their rationale for suggesting next steps, and remain aware that personal biases can impact outcomes of research.
- Leadership. Most employers are looking for leaders. But how can students demonstrate that they are already leaders? Immersing themselves in extracurricular activities, taking on leadership roles, students can illustrate that they are innovative and can inspire, persuade, and motivate others to share their visions. They can act as role models, demonstrating that they are confident and have a positive attitude. And they can prove that they can get results.
- Teamwork. Those extracurricular activities and group projects are a great way to build collaborative skills. Learning these skills, students know how to listen carefully to others and ask appropriate questions. They learn to compromise, manage conflicts, and interact with diverse personalities. Students who demonstrate strong teamwork skills know when to lead and when to take a back seat. Finally, they build positive working relationships with team members and managers.
While these skills can make a difference for students when they have the chance to prove themselves, most of these skills are not directly instructed in high school and college classrooms. While students might be exposed to many of these skills, they are not fully developed in the confines of the classroom.
So, how do students get the help they need to hone these career-readiness skills, build resumes and interview skills, and transition from academia into the career world? According to many students, Career Services offices at most colleges are lacking. They are not “set up to ‘get you a job.’” Instead, they refer students to LinkedIn and Handshake, telling them to look for and apply to these jobs. In fact, many Career Services offices “’typically see any senior once or twice, then Bye.’”
For these reasons, students need to turn to a Career Coach referred by GAMECHANGER Tutoring Connection. With GAMECHANGER Tutoring Connection’s Career Coaches, students will hone the requisite skillsets required to be strong, professional candidates. They will put together a holistic, effective resume. They will learn to network and to leverage potential professional connections. They will learn to interview effectively, figuring out how to research organizations, how to position their academic experiences impactfully, how to respond to questions in a meaningful manner that demonstrates critical thinking skills and an ability to both collaborate and lead.
As the career world continues to evolve, make sure that your student has the skills to demonstrate that they are career-ready so that they can be career successful.
