During the Industrial age, a good education would improve the chances for students to secure a good job, earn good money and live a good life. One would learn important skills that were already in demand by industries, and that would provide them with both career and financial security. But things have long changed.
With the rise in technology, there has emerged a new demand for knowledge and skills which has yet to be catered for by our learning institutions. As a result, students struggle right after completing their education, because the knowledge they’ve acquired from school is either irrelevant or outdated.
Hiring companies are also forced to select relevant and qualified personnel in an attempt to catch up with the fast-changing world. And for the ones opting for the entrepreneurial journey, competition has widely increased, challenging businesses and entrepreneurs to grow. As for students, school certificates and qualifications are not enough anymore to succeed in the current marketplace.
If learning institutions cannot satisfy students’ educational needs, there’s but one option: students to be proactive and develop their own selves. Whether that’s in the career or the business space, as a student, you are required to take on the challenge to build yourself with the right knowledge and skillsets. It is now mandatory to study beyond what your lecturers offer you in class if you want to thrive in the current economy that is driven by knowledge and tech.
Here are a few of the necessary skillsets (That you are not taught in school) that are required to have if you want to succeed in your career, business, and life.
1. HOW DO YOU PRESENT YOURSELF?
In whatever way you present yourself, you are already a brand. The question is: what kind of brand? What do people say about you when you step out into the world? A brand is not a logo, it’s being true to a set of values–it’s your character. A good brand will open doors for you, and give you access to networks and opportunities in your field. When you are known for integrity, accountability, discipline, or honesty, you become more valuable in the marketplace.
“Never miss a chance to create a good first impression.”
2. BE SELF-AWARE.
If you understand that success depends more on the person you become than the things you acquire, you’ll immediately recognize the importance of self-awareness. Self-awareness is basically knowing and understanding yourself. It’s a constant consciousness of your state, your actions, inactions, thoughts, decisions, and emotions.
To have a better relationship with yourself, your family, colleagues, and your partner you must have a better understanding of yourself. In order to develop self-awareness, you need to start focusing on yourself, being curious about yourself and making deliberate decisions to learn and improve on yourself.
“Who are you, and what do you really want in life?”
3. LEARN TO NEGOTIATE
Negotiations are conversations between two or more parties for the purpose of reaching a beneficial agreement amongst the parties. Negotiating is not limited to money. Children negotiate with their parents, negotiations happen in relationships, and so forth. The core of this skill is good relationships and effective listening.
You need to gain this skill in order to know how to get what you want whenever you want it, whether that’s in business, in relationships, or in a job interview when negotiating for a salary or a raise.
“(When negotiating) ask yourself, what do I need to get out of this negotiation? and what does the other party need? Thrive for a Win-Win situation ?”
4. STAY ORGANIZED AND MANAGE YOUR TIME ACCORDINGLY.
To get anything done you need to invest time. Time is a valuable concept and how efficiently or effectively you use your time will define your outcome. Especially in industries such as project management, where project schedules can get tight and deliverables high. You must be able to learn how to manage your time effectively to bring the best results.
“(When negotiating) ask yourself, what do I need to get out of this negotiation? and what does the other party need? Thrive for a Win-Win situation ?”
5. LEARN TO INVEST YOUR MONEY
Whenever people hear the word investment, they are most likely to picture a large sum of money or sectors such as real estate. Rarely do they know that, even with little money, they can invest. Investment is not in the amount of money, but rather in the mindset of multiplying what you have, no matter how small. Some of the ways you can invest little money is by starting a small business like a grocery shop, a hair salon or buying motorcycles (boda boda business which is common in Tanzania), buying and selling airtime, or buying bonds.
“In order to invest you don’t need to have money, you need an idea, a goal.”
To build your knowledge and expertise in other areas, get into the habit of reading books, listening to audio tapes, attending conferences, and workshops, asking questions, and signing up for personal development or career development sessions. Be on the lookout for the right knowledge that will equip you to accomplish your career, business, or life goals in general.
About HEBO Consult
HEBO Consult is project management consulting firm that helps businesses, organizations, and individuals get the right skills, tools, and frameworks to successfully execute projects. Whether through consulting or training, we are committed to bringing you the right strategies, skillset, and mindset to turn your ideas into the best reality possible.
