New Age Skills – A Must for Freshers

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a revolution to the world. It changed everything, from our mindsets to the way we live. One of the most significant changes though was the transition to the online sphere. 

The majority of the businesses transitioned to the hybrid work mode. And with these changes, the process of hiring candidates too has taken a 180-degree turn. Employers now seek candidates with an entirely new set of abilities. 

This has now resulted in a lot of increased competition. In order to survive in this fierce competition, modern students need modern talents since they must handle various challenges and difficulties with the highest dignity and grace.

Now, if you are an average student like me, and have average skill sets, getting hired can be a chore, whether you are looking for an internship or a job. So, here are some skills which you can develop to better your chances of getting hired: 

Have an understanding of the Digital World 

This is easy enough to understand. If you are a millennial or a Gen Z, you probably live and breathe digital. As long as you are tech savvy and have a basic understanding of social media, digital marketing, or anything about the latest technology, then you have a good chance of getting picked up by companies.

Now, if you don’t have these skills, then they are easy enough to develop. All you need access to is a smartphone and the internet, and voila! You have the world at your fingertips.

Communication

Don’t underestimate the importance of something as common as communicating. Having good communication skills is a must for everyone nowadays. Many people are so occupied with honing their technical skills, that they don’t pay attention to their soft skills. 

If you are a good communicator, then it will be easier and more efficient for you to get your point across. This ability comes in handy when speaking up in meetings, presentations, and casual conversations. This will save time and also build your employer’s confidence in you. 

Digital Design

Today’s employers demand that you have a very basic understanding of any design software, whether it is the slightly more complex Photoshop or the incredibly user-friendly Canva. 

This comes in handy when you want to do a quick edit for any pictures or maybe make a graphic for social media. It is quick and efficient to do it yourself rather than give it to a designer and wait for them to get back to you. 

Designing is a very easy thing to do. All it takes is a bit of creativity and a keen eye for details. 

Adaptability 

It is essential that you be able to adapt quickly, whether it be adapting to new technology, people, or ideas. We live in an ever-changing world, so employers are always on the lookout for candidates who can adapt to the latest technology, collaborations, and philosophies.

Cultural understanding   

More positive relationships, improved teamwork, and really diverse conversations can result from a deeper knowledge of cultural differences. Diversity is a given in today’s era. So you need to be conscious of cultural differences and how to behave when interacting with people. Maybe something that is acceptable to you might not be acceptable to someone else with a different background. 

Management and Leadership

These two skills go hand in hand. You need to be able to manage people as well as lead a team with confidence. If you hone these skills properly, you’ll have a significant competitive advantage in terms of professional growth. If you utilize them properly, you’ll be able to swiftly prioritize and plan the steps your team has to take in order to complete a project within the established deadline.

Does this all seem a bit too much to you? Take it one step at a time. You don’t need to be intimidated by all these skills. They are easy enough to acquire or develop. 

What you do need to be is determined and passionate about what you do. Make sure that you choose the right job suited for you. Don’t be afraid to explore. The more you experience, the better you’ll understand what you are best at.