Building Career Skills: Career Skills to Develop
Education is not just about preparing students to succeed in some specific subjects but also about preparing them to contribute in the society. A key part of this is what is often called ‘Building career skills’ or those skills which will make you valued employees and colleagues.
In these fast-changing times, we cannot be sure exactly what kinds of jobs and workplaces our students will find. But, having some career skills will enable you to succeed throughout your study and working life.
As learners, we need to consider how the teaching of career skills can be integrated into our regular classroom routines. By learning career skills, you are preparing yourself in the fullest possible way for the challenges which lie ahead.
We have put together resources here to help you implement career skills which are also called soft skills.
Working in the new economy
If you have some career skills related to your working place, it will enable you to do your job and manage your career.
You should have following career skills when you are working in the new economy.
Leadership and management
As any working system has the ability to adopt new norms, rules and regulations due to new economy and advance technology, it also needs good leaders and managers more than ever. If you have strong leadership skills, you can help your organization survive and thrive through tough time.
The basic quality is of a great leader is that he knows the basic philosophy of leadership which is that he knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.
By these career skills, you can lead your co-workers. And if you are already a supervisor or manager, you need to step up and take charge with authority and compassion.
Adaptability (Building Career Skills)
Among career abilities, the skill of adaptability is the most important one. Because economy is always changing but the great businesses across industries are learning how to adapt new ways.
The more flexible and adaptable you are within your industry and company, the better you will be. When you are working in the new economy, those employees who make the best of challenging situations and find innovative ways to help the company, its employees and customers are appreciative.
Always keep in mind that being flexible is the sign of strength, not weakness because flexibility is the emblem of being and rigidity is the sign of bereavement.
Cultural awareness
Becoming culturally aware enhances our interpersonal career skills; we become sensitive to people’s emotions, making communication more effective.
Cross-cultural communication is one of the ways that may lead to misunderstanding, on both sides. Cross-cultural knowledge management in working place plays a pivotal role in interactions with other cultures that require new understanding and interpretations.
Business ethics
Business ethics are critical because they help you and your organization keep customers happy, develop and maintain a good reputation and avoid legal and financial issues.
Business ethics as career skills refer to one’s ability to make the right business decisions. These occupation skills of business ethics are also called corporate ethics. These are forms of applied ethics or professional ethics that examine the ethical and moral principles and problems that arise in business environment.
Communication
Communication plays a vital role in advancing economic growth and reducing poverty. In occupation skills, communication skills are fundamental to get anything done. Succeeding in your career requires good communication skills.
You need to know what you want and how you are going to attain it. Being able to communicate effectively is one of the most important career skills to learn how to work in new economy.
Conflict management
When you are working in new economy, having this career skill is very important. The importance of conflict resolution in new economy should never be taken lightly.
Managing conflict in the best possible way can help to prevent negativity by reducing stress, demotivation and general employee unrest. Having potential of conflict management helps employees reduce the friction that damages their working relationships.
The purpose of conflict management is to be expert in conflict resolution skills.