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| image source: Employability Skills Framework, U.S. Department of Education |
On Being Employable and Industry-ready
Here are 10 activities that higher education students can engage in to become more employable and industry-ready.
(1) Internships: Internships and exposure to the workplace, can help students develop industry-specific skills, gain practical knowledge, and make connections that can help them find employment after graduation.
(2) Joining student organizations: Joining student organizations related to their field of study can help students develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication, and provide opportunities to network with professionals in their field.
(3) Attending career fairs and networking events: Career fairs and networking events provide opportunities for students to meet with potential employers, learn about job opportunities, and make connections that could lead to future employment.
(4) Participating in research projects: Research projects can help students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and hands-on experience in their field. They can also provide opportunities to collaborate with faculty and industry professionals.
(5) Taking industry-relevant courses: Students can take courses that are relevant to their desired career field to develop industry-specific skills and knowledge.
(6) Building a strong online presence: Students can create a strong online presence by developing a professional website or social media accounts related to their field of study. They can also use online platforms to connect with professionals in their industry.
(7) Attending workshops and conferences: Workshops and conferences can provide opportunities for students to learn about new developments in their field, gain insights from experts in their industry, and develop their professional skills.
(8) Volunteering: Volunteering can help students develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership, and can also provide opportunities to network and gain exposure to potential employers.
(9) Developing soft skills (=life skills): Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are highly valued by employers. Students can develop these skills through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, training sessions, and coursework.
(10) Seeking out mentorship: Students can seek out mentorship from faculty members, industry professionals, or alumni to gain insights into their desired career field and receive guidance and advice on how to succeed in their profession.
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