6 answers
William
Student
Virginia Beach, Virginia
1
Question
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What should we do to be prepared for the future after theoretical learning and study?
higher education
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6 answers
Lauren Cooke
Consulting
9
Answers
Camden, South Carolina
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi William,
Great question! While academic knowledge is important for future success, it's also crucial to develop other life skills. These are often termed as "soft skills" and they can be invaluable in both your personal and professional life.
1. Public Speaking: This is often cited as the number one fear for many people. Even if you don't aspire to be a motivational speaker or regularly address large crowds, gaining experience in public speaking can be very beneficial. By joining groups such as Toastmasters, a debate team, or a theatre group, you can learn to overcome nervousness, structure your thoughts, and articulate clearly.
2. Leadership: As you embark on your professional journey, leadership is a skill that might set you apart from your peers. You can demonstrate and develop leadership qualities by volunteering and taking on roles in school or community groups. Remember, being a good leader also means knowing when to follow!
3. Interpersonal Skills: This can be the most crucial and challenging area. Interpersonal skills revolve around your ability to interact effectively with others. This includes active listening, showing empathy, demonstrating mutual respect, and understanding body language and contextual signals. The best way to improve these skills is through practice: aim to interact with a diverse range of people. Volunteering and participating in clubs or groups like scouting can provide these opportunities.
4. Intrapersonal Skills: This is often overlooked but is incredibly important. Intrapersonal skills involve self-awareness and self-understanding. This includes humility, respectfulness, self-confidence without arrogance, and awareness of your likes, dislikes, triggers, and blind spots. To develop these skills, consider seeking feedback from trusted individuals about your strengths and weaknesses. Keeping a journal to reflect on your thoughts and feelings can also be helpful.
I hope you find this advice useful, William. Best of luck on your journey!
Best wishes,
Lauren
Great question! While academic knowledge is important for future success, it's also crucial to develop other life skills. These are often termed as "soft skills" and they can be invaluable in both your personal and professional life.
1. Public Speaking: This is often cited as the number one fear for many people. Even if you don't aspire to be a motivational speaker or regularly address large crowds, gaining experience in public speaking can be very beneficial. By joining groups such as Toastmasters, a debate team, or a theatre group, you can learn to overcome nervousness, structure your thoughts, and articulate clearly.
2. Leadership: As you embark on your professional journey, leadership is a skill that might set you apart from your peers. You can demonstrate and develop leadership qualities by volunteering and taking on roles in school or community groups. Remember, being a good leader also means knowing when to follow!
3. Interpersonal Skills: This can be the most crucial and challenging area. Interpersonal skills revolve around your ability to interact effectively with others. This includes active listening, showing empathy, demonstrating mutual respect, and understanding body language and contextual signals. The best way to improve these skills is through practice: aim to interact with a diverse range of people. Volunteering and participating in clubs or groups like scouting can provide these opportunities.
4. Intrapersonal Skills: This is often overlooked but is incredibly important. Intrapersonal skills involve self-awareness and self-understanding. This includes humility, respectfulness, self-confidence without arrogance, and awareness of your likes, dislikes, triggers, and blind spots. To develop these skills, consider seeking feedback from trusted individuals about your strengths and weaknesses. Keeping a journal to reflect on your thoughts and feelings can also be helpful.
I hope you find this advice useful, William. Best of luck on your journey!
Best wishes,
Lauren
Francis Genger
Architect
5
Answers
Kaduna, Nigeria
Updated
Francis’s Answer
Excellent inquiry, William.
There can sometimes be a significant gap between the knowledge you gain in school and the realities of the professional world.
One proactive step you can take to bridge this gap is to secure a junior position that doesn't require much risk or responsibility. This will allow you to learn directly from experienced seniors in your field who can provide guidance and mentorship.
Another option is to offer your services as a volunteer in an organization that values hands-on learning, providing you with invaluable practical experience.
Remember, these strategies don't negate the value of attending short, practical training courses led by industry professionals with years of experience under their belt.
Education is an ongoing process, so it's crucial to maintain a mindset of continuous self-improvement, regardless of your circumstances.
There can sometimes be a significant gap between the knowledge you gain in school and the realities of the professional world.
One proactive step you can take to bridge this gap is to secure a junior position that doesn't require much risk or responsibility. This will allow you to learn directly from experienced seniors in your field who can provide guidance and mentorship.
Another option is to offer your services as a volunteer in an organization that values hands-on learning, providing you with invaluable practical experience.
Remember, these strategies don't negate the value of attending short, practical training courses led by industry professionals with years of experience under their belt.
Education is an ongoing process, so it's crucial to maintain a mindset of continuous self-improvement, regardless of your circumstances.
Joseph Ford
125
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Higher education is always a good start but whether a trade or something else you need to ensure your marketable. People hire based on many things. Education, experience and your own personal demeanor. Remember in any case 1st appearance is your last appearance during an interview. It can win you any job.
Cristina Moreno
Americas Commercial Excellence Specialist
4
Answers
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Cristina’s Answer
Excellent query, William!
Firstly, a big thumbs up for your forward-thinking attitude. In my view, the key is to spark your curiosity, venture out, and harness this momentum for some hands-on experience.
One of the primary hurdles after school is figuring out where to begin and how to integrate into the professional world. This transition can be significantly smoother if you've already dipped your toes in the water. The advantages of gaining experience are manifold. They can boost your self-confidence, hone your key skills, and foster trust in your own capabilities, potentially opening doors to networking opportunities.
However, don't worry if you're feeling overwhelmed. Gaining experience doesn't necessarily mean you have to dive straight into your chosen field. It could involve volunteering for a cause that you're passionate about, embarking on a mentorship, landing your first job at the local café, or securing an internship in a company related to your field of study. Many professionals and companies are more than willing to mentor a student in their field, so don't hesitate to reach out.
The skills you can acquire from preparing and practicing in any of these areas include interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, resilience, financial independence, and an understanding of workplace dynamics and structure.
Pairing the theoretical knowledge you're gaining in school with these practical skill-building opportunities will catapult you towards success. Best of luck!
Firstly, a big thumbs up for your forward-thinking attitude. In my view, the key is to spark your curiosity, venture out, and harness this momentum for some hands-on experience.
One of the primary hurdles after school is figuring out where to begin and how to integrate into the professional world. This transition can be significantly smoother if you've already dipped your toes in the water. The advantages of gaining experience are manifold. They can boost your self-confidence, hone your key skills, and foster trust in your own capabilities, potentially opening doors to networking opportunities.
However, don't worry if you're feeling overwhelmed. Gaining experience doesn't necessarily mean you have to dive straight into your chosen field. It could involve volunteering for a cause that you're passionate about, embarking on a mentorship, landing your first job at the local café, or securing an internship in a company related to your field of study. Many professionals and companies are more than willing to mentor a student in their field, so don't hesitate to reach out.
The skills you can acquire from preparing and practicing in any of these areas include interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, resilience, financial independence, and an understanding of workplace dynamics and structure.
Pairing the theoretical knowledge you're gaining in school with these practical skill-building opportunities will catapult you towards success. Best of luck!
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
202
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, William - what an insightful question! First, I would say that you could structure your college program to include the practical as well as the theoretical aspects. This could mean choosing courses that focus on - or at least include - applications. You could tell from the course abstract and/or looking at the syllabus and course topics. Your academic advisor could also help you find such courses.
Second, choose community activities, jobs, or internships that offer practical experience. For example, if you are interested in business, be the business manager for a sports team or club or get experience working in various aspects of a business. If you are interested in climate issues, help a professor address how to slow down change or adapt to climate change or join an environmentally-focused club. If you are interested in medicine, become an EMT or volunteer at a local clinic or hospital. I hope you get the idea; if you want further ideas, feel free to reply.
In general, if your education teaches you how to learn and how to think critically, you will be able to apply theory to instances as they arise.
Good luck!
Second, choose community activities, jobs, or internships that offer practical experience. For example, if you are interested in business, be the business manager for a sports team or club or get experience working in various aspects of a business. If you are interested in climate issues, help a professor address how to slow down change or adapt to climate change or join an environmentally-focused club. If you are interested in medicine, become an EMT or volunteer at a local clinic or hospital. I hope you get the idea; if you want further ideas, feel free to reply.
In general, if your education teaches you how to learn and how to think critically, you will be able to apply theory to instances as they arise.
Good luck!
Ka Ng
Product Manager
29
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ka’s Answer
Achieving success in the professional realm is evaluated differently compared to the academic sphere. You can excel in both areas, but the recognition of your accomplishments may vary. In an academic environment like a university, you can earn recognition as a diligent student or an intelligent individual by securing good grades. However, in a professional context, you need to produce quality work and effectively promote it. Therefore, it's beneficial for you to acquire skills in presentation and marketing.