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What is one thing that college DOES NOT teach you for your career?

College provides you with the set of knowledge and skills in order to succeed in your career. 4 years of experience sets you up for life, but some things must be missed. Simply put, it would be great to be enlightened about what college does or cannot teach students for their career. Please share your thoughts! #career-advice #skills #information #curriculum #reflection

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Prabhat Kumar’s Answer

EXPERIENCE. In college education still there is lack of practicality of work being done when student gets into career. If someone tries to get some experience he will learn lot of skills related to what major he opted in college.
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McKenzie’s Answer

This is a great question! The area that strikes me the most about skills learned outside of college are soft-skills, such as communication (verbal and written), relationship building in the workplace, and attitude. These are often not taught in a classroom setting, but are built over time and experience working with different people. I find that having great soft-skills enables people to succeed and grow in any position. It's important to be able to work well with other people in a team setting, while providing positive energy to the group and build relationships.

Job skills can be taught and learned over time, however I've found that some managers value soft skills over technical skills.
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James’s Answer

The one thing that college does not teach your for your career is how to successfully work with other people. Sure, college will teach you some of this through projects with other classmates, but the laws of social dynamics are much different in a professional setting. Further, learning how to master social interactions in such a way that you become a force for good (i.e. influencing others and being a positive role model) is also something you don't learn in school.


These sort of skills will need to be attained by following great social leaders in your industry and around the world. I would encourage you to consider finding a mentor in your new career - someone that has mastered these skills - and try to spend time with them; ask them if they would mentor you and help you grow as a professional . This person should intentionally be out of your league in a good way so that you can push yourself to become a better person for the sake of those around you. Reid Hoffman once said "The fastest way to change yourself is to hang out with people who are already the way you want to be".


I would also encourage you to consider reading self-improvement books, if you find this topic worth pursuing. So many people deal with the impostor syndrome (look it up) that they will gravitate to anyone with a strong sense of self-confidence and self-worth. I would recommend reading books like "21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership", "The Charisma Myth", or "How to Win Friends and Influence People". These books have helped me (along with others) at becoming a better professional in my role.

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Rowan’s Answer

Work Ethic-Work ethic is an attitude of determination and dedication toward one’s job. Those with a strong work ethic place a high value on their professional success. They exhibit moral principles that make them outstanding employees in any position. If you have a strong work ethic, you believe in the importance of your job and typically feel that hard work is essential to maintaining a strong character. (Indeed)

Examples of work ethic skills
Employees with a strong work ethic exhibit a particular set of values and behaviors. These characteristics make them stand out as highly coveted team members and praise-worthy employees.

Reliability
Dedication
Discipline
Productivity
Cooperation
Integrity
Responsibility
Professionalism

Keep in mind my these attributes/behaviors develop over time and need to be nurtured throughout your life and career.

10 Things That Require (Zero Talent)
Being On Time
Making An Effort
Being High Energy
Having A positive Attitude
Being Passionate
Using Good Body Language
Being Coachable
Doing A Little Extra
Being Prepared
Having A Strong Work Ethic
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Katie’s Answer

Just because school or college is done, doesn't mean you're done learning.

- not prepared for the workforce in terms of skills needed for applying the knowledge learned in school
- how to be a self starter and self motivated
- change of pace from college/school to "real life"
- lack of structure and a defined schedule outside of school
- setting boundaries to avoid burnout
- negotiation skills - learn how to promote yourself but manage your expectations (don't always expect a six figure salary with no experience or skills)
- emotional intelligence: how to understand and connect with other people / cultural shock of being exposed to new experiences and ideas
- bigger consequences for when you mess up / but you'll learn from your failures
- learn your worth is not determined by a piece of paper or a grade
- learn how to take feedback and turn it into actionable items for improvement. and learn to be comfortable asking for feedback
- time management, prioritization skills

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