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What skills or experiences should I prioritize and build upon in my early career so I can prosper in the work field in the future Are there any good skills to master??
I'm completing my first year of college.
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6 answers
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William’s Answer
Hi Janice,
There are definitely important skills that cut across all occupations. You may refer to them as life skills.
Experts refer to the fundamentals for developing these skills as Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. They provide a mechanism to infuse critical skills at all levels of qualifications as they are essential for building capabilities for success in the field of work. They basically enable learners not only move from dependence to independence but also from low to high productivity and innovation.
Among them are:
1) Work effectively with others
2) Organize and manage oneself and one's activities
3) Identify and solve problems
4) Collect, organize and critically evaluate information
5) Use technology and science
6) Understand the world as a set of connected problems
7) Communicate effectively
This framework provides the foundation for building both technical and social competence.
There are definitely important skills that cut across all occupations. You may refer to them as life skills.
Experts refer to the fundamentals for developing these skills as Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. They provide a mechanism to infuse critical skills at all levels of qualifications as they are essential for building capabilities for success in the field of work. They basically enable learners not only move from dependence to independence but also from low to high productivity and innovation.
Among them are:
1) Work effectively with others
2) Organize and manage oneself and one's activities
3) Identify and solve problems
4) Collect, organize and critically evaluate information
5) Use technology and science
6) Understand the world as a set of connected problems
7) Communicate effectively
This framework provides the foundation for building both technical and social competence.
Updated
Ghaaliya’s Answer
Hello Janice,
Start with what you love because when you follow your interests, you can reach any goal. Every job is valuable, but make sure to learn about AI. As technology grows, AI is becoming more important. Everything is connected to AI now, so consider focusing on AI engineering or a related field.
Start with what you love because when you follow your interests, you can reach any goal. Every job is valuable, but make sure to learn about AI. As technology grows, AI is becoming more important. Everything is connected to AI now, so consider focusing on AI engineering or a related field.
Updated
Marissa’s Answer
Hey! It’s awesome that you’re thinking about this early — that mindset alone will take you far. In your first few years, focus on building skills that matter in any field: communication, time management, critical thinking, and the ability to work well with different types of people.
Also, try to get experience in different settings — jobs, internships, clubs, volunteering — anything that helps you learn how to navigate the real world, handle responsibility, and solve problems.
And honestly? Just stay curious. The more you explore, the more you'll figure out what you enjoy and what you're good at. That’s what really sets you up to grow and succeed long-term.
Also, try to get experience in different settings — jobs, internships, clubs, volunteering — anything that helps you learn how to navigate the real world, handle responsibility, and solve problems.
And honestly? Just stay curious. The more you explore, the more you'll figure out what you enjoy and what you're good at. That’s what really sets you up to grow and succeed long-term.
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Janice,
A lot stems from the period of life you are currently at (being your first year of college) as being successful in the working world in future life, like college, centres around your application, your mindset and the ability to form relationships that will make you successful!
Currently you need to apply yourself to your studies and be curious to enable you to grow. I would give the same guidance to the field of work as you need to always ask questions, seek new knowledge and embrace a curious mindset. All leads to innovation and becoming adaptable in the workplace. Assume positive intent of the people you work with, ensure you are true to your values, develop meaningful working relationships and be purposeful in your application. These are some of the key life skills I would lean into and look to master.
In terms of experience, reach out on LinkedIn to someone in the line of work you may be interested in pursuing in the future. Ask for 20 mins of their time and what you would value hearing. Mentors shape your perspective and provide valued insights. Throughout your working life, ask for the time of people who are willing to share. It helps you grow and you always learn something from your conversations!
A lot stems from the period of life you are currently at (being your first year of college) as being successful in the working world in future life, like college, centres around your application, your mindset and the ability to form relationships that will make you successful!
Currently you need to apply yourself to your studies and be curious to enable you to grow. I would give the same guidance to the field of work as you need to always ask questions, seek new knowledge and embrace a curious mindset. All leads to innovation and becoming adaptable in the workplace. Assume positive intent of the people you work with, ensure you are true to your values, develop meaningful working relationships and be purposeful in your application. These are some of the key life skills I would lean into and look to master.
In terms of experience, reach out on LinkedIn to someone in the line of work you may be interested in pursuing in the future. Ask for 20 mins of their time and what you would value hearing. Mentors shape your perspective and provide valued insights. Throughout your working life, ask for the time of people who are willing to share. It helps you grow and you always learn something from your conversations!
Updated
Aparna’s Answer
Hi Janice! You've asked a fantastic question. Here are some skills and experiences to focus on that will boost your career and enrich your life:
- Improve your communication skills: These are essential for working well with people from different backgrounds. Good communication helps you keep connections with peers and mentors. Pay attention to your listening skills, starting with your college lectures. Also, work on your writing skills, especially for business.
- Master time management and discipline: Setting routines is key to reaching your goals. While motivation is important, discipline and consistency are what truly help you succeed. Try using a calendar and creating to-do lists. This habit can really take you far.
- Enhance your problem-solving abilities: Learn to think critically. This can be done outside of school through activities like chess or brain games. In your studies, tackle business problems with creativity and analysis. This will help you stand out when applying for jobs.
- Keep learning: Always stay curious and eager to learn! Keep up with new technology and current events. Learning new skills and tools will keep you relevant in the job market.
- Improve your communication skills: These are essential for working well with people from different backgrounds. Good communication helps you keep connections with peers and mentors. Pay attention to your listening skills, starting with your college lectures. Also, work on your writing skills, especially for business.
- Master time management and discipline: Setting routines is key to reaching your goals. While motivation is important, discipline and consistency are what truly help you succeed. Try using a calendar and creating to-do lists. This habit can really take you far.
- Enhance your problem-solving abilities: Learn to think critically. This can be done outside of school through activities like chess or brain games. In your studies, tackle business problems with creativity and analysis. This will help you stand out when applying for jobs.
- Keep learning: Always stay curious and eager to learn! Keep up with new technology and current events. Learning new skills and tools will keep you relevant in the job market.
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hi! It's always good to build soft skills since those are becoming more critical to work. If you're looking for some college courses that offer specific skills that set a good foundation for a career I recommend considering:
- Basic accounting or a 101 finance class. Knowing how to read a balance sheet, cash flow statement, understanding liabilities and equities, are important skills to have and applicable in a wide range of positions and career fields.
- Communication classes, written and verbal or consider joining a Toastmasters club (focused on public speaking). Being able to communicate clearly and effectively is critical. Don't underestimate the power of a simple, well written e-mail. Even if you don't plan on public speaking (i.e. press conferences, Ted Talks, etc.) you'll likely wind up presenting your ideas or finished work product at some point in time to a group.
- Basic accounting or a 101 finance class. Knowing how to read a balance sheet, cash flow statement, understanding liabilities and equities, are important skills to have and applicable in a wide range of positions and career fields.
- Communication classes, written and verbal or consider joining a Toastmasters club (focused on public speaking). Being able to communicate clearly and effectively is critical. Don't underestimate the power of a simple, well written e-mail. Even if you don't plan on public speaking (i.e. press conferences, Ted Talks, etc.) you'll likely wind up presenting your ideas or finished work product at some point in time to a group.