10 essential skills youll need for career success

10 essential skills youll need for career success Share Share via TwitterShare via FacebookShare via Google PlusShare via LinkedInShare via E-mail Your time at CU will help you develop all kinds of skills youll use throughout your career. Many of those skills will come from your academic experience, and others you can develop through experiences such as internships, study abroad and research projectscalled transferable or soft skills.Transferable skills are skills that will be developed and applicable in every profession. Theyare the foundation of professional success, and they happen to be the most desirable skills employers are searching for in potential candidates.Whether you are completing an internship or working a part-time job this summer, use that time to develop these essential skillsCommunicationCommunication includes listening, writing and speaking. Employers want to see you can articulate your thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively. Being a good listener mean s you strive to understand others emotions, build strong relationships and resolve conflict.Problem-solvingChallenges will arise in every job you have. Youll want to have the ability to analyze issues, make sound decisions and overcome problems.TeamworkMany jobs require you to work effectively and respectfully with others, whether that be your coworkers or clients. Employers desire someone who brings out the best in others.InitiativeYou can show initiative by proactively handling situations and finding answers to questions without direction. This shows employers that you are taking personal responsibility and developing as a leader.Analytical, quantitativeUse thoughtful analysis to identify problems and make informed decisions. Assess the situation, ask crucial questions, consider possible solutions and plan a course of action.Professionalism, work ethicEmployers want to see you demonstrate personal accountability for your actions and work habits. Be sure to show up on time, work pr oductively with others and understand the impact of your non-verbal communication. Take responsibility and learn from your mistakes to show integrity and ethical behavior.LeadershipYou can show leadership by using interpersonal skills to coach and develop others. Additionally, you can use empathic skills to motivate, organize, prioritize and delegate tasks.Detail orientedWork on completing tasks with thoroughness and accuracy. Double check your work to ensure there arent any errors. Employers like to see you have high standards in the quality of work you perform.Digital technologyEmployers typically provide training on job-specific software, but they expect you to be proficient with basic computer skills and learn new technical tools quickly.AdaptabilityShow that you can be flexible by adapting to situations when they arise. Its important to employers that you are able to shift plans and adapt to new concepts in order to succeed.Mastering these essential skills can lead to more job offers and, potentially, higher salaries. Many employers will even askbehavioral questionsduring an interview in order to gauge your ability to execute these skills.Make the most of your summer job by seeking opportunities to further develop professionally and interpersonally. If youre searching for opportunities to departure developing these skills and getting hands-on experience in your desire career, stop byCareer Servicesfor a drop-in, or schedule an appointment.CategoriesCareer AdviceTagsCareer Planning