Skills List to Get in College That You’ll Need in the Real World

Your three or four years of University will be jam-packed with opportunities. These might be opportunities to learn; a new language, for example. Or, it might be the chance to try out a new sport. Javelin, anyone?

Of course, there is also a lot of knowledge on offer, and loads of free time to learn it all. But while all of these things are going on, you’ll be picking up new skills along the way. New skills you might not even have noticed you’ve gained yet.

Don’t let the chance to learn new skills pass you by. Instead, make a conscious effort not to just absorb them, but actively seek them out.

There are dozens of new skills available to you once you reach Uni. Here are six. Look out for them, and don’t let them pass you by. One day, when you reach the world of work, you’ll be glad you have them. Extra skills can put you ahead of the competition. They can ensure you secure your dream job, not somebody else. And they can make it so you have a job you can handle, and a job that you truly enjoy.

The skill of… being independent

So you arrive at your new halls of residence, and your parents help you carry your boxes into your room. And then… they leave. Your new found independence starts here. The different ways that you learn how to both cope and thrive now will serve you for life.

It’s important to be responsible, even with all this new found independence. Sure, you can eat pizza for every meal and go to sleep at 4 am every night. But is that really a wise decision? After all, you’ve got classes to attend, exams to ace and the year ahead to pass.

Once you start looking for your first job, the recruiter will want to see that you are a responsible person. They’ll want to see that you can handle the job in question. Then, when you start your career, you’ll be expected to work independently at times. If you’re answering the phone, for example, no one can help you with this. Learning how to be independent, and comfortable with being independent, will serve you well.

The skill of… being bilingual

Most universities have a language department. And, most language departments also do beginner language lessons. These will be available for students in other departments at the University. If these are available to you, it’s wise you take advantage.

This is because having a second language is seen as very valuable when it comes to work. Firstly, a second language could make you a preferential candidate over others with only one language. Similarly, once you start at the company, it could mean you are eligible for promotions, transfers and pay-rises. It can also increase the amount of jobs you are qualified for, and can do. In such a difficult job market, and with so much competition, this is invaluable.

If possible, learn a language that will be particularly handy in the career you want to go into. So, for example, Mandarin can be a very useful language to know if you want to go into Business.

The skill of… having a clear argument

Whether you become a lawyer or a teacher, a doctor or a dramaturg, you will need to know how to hold an argument. Don’t think of arguments as being negative things. If both sides are able to put forward their rationales in a calm and informed manner, it can be highly beneficial. Listening to another viewpoint can widen your own perspective. Joining forces with your opposition can sometimes even mean a new, even better solution is formed.

You’ll learn how to make clear and informed arguments when you write argumentation essays for your classes. While the help is still available to you, ask your professors for honest feedback. See if they will mentor you in making your arguments, and the way you put them across, stronger.

The skill of… getting on with lots of different people

Whether your University has 1,000 students or 10,000 students, you’re bound to come across people you don’t like that much. However, the real world is just like this too. And so is the world of work.

Learning how to get on with lots of different people is a great skill to have. When you start your career, you’ll have to work alongside people who are total strangers. Showing you can get on with everyone shows that you are adaptable, and amenable. You’re far more likely to be considered for promotions and managerial roles if you show you possess this quality.

However, do you know what is an even better skill to learn? How to get on with people you actually don’t like! Your reasons for not liking them don’t matter. What matters is your ability to put these feelings aside. This demonstrates a level of maturity that some people don’t ever reach.

There is one occasion when you may have to put this skill to one side, and that is if you are being bullied. Bullying at University and in the workplace should be, and usually is, taken very seriously. Speak to a manager in private if you are struggling to a level that you cannot cope with yourself.

The skill of… getting up early!

It is pretty unusual to have classes every single day once you reach University. What does this mean? Days off! This might mean that you’re tempted to spend the day in bed; especially if you’ve been at the SU the night before! Similarly, when you have only afternoon classes, it can be tempting to sleep in. While this won’t do any harm on occasion, do your best to set a routine to stick too. Your body clock has a huge impact on how you feel and function on a day to day basis. Take care of it, and keep it in check, and your body will thank you for it. It will also prepare you for when you have to get up early five days a week when you start your career.

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