From Classroom to Career: Getting a Head start in Employment

Many students may not always realise it, but those years in university or polytechnic are more than just assignments and exams – they’re a chance to build skills that’ll give you a serious edge when you hit the job market. By working on a few key areas, you can set yourself up to make a big impression when you start your career.

Here are some valuable skills that you can build now to get a head start on your career journey.

Being a team player while standing your ground

Most jobs these days involve teaming up with others or working across departments, and learning to be a solid team player can make all the difference. Good teamwork isn’t just about getting along, it’s about being able to tackle projects more efficiently by sharing the load and learning from each other.

As a junior member of the team, you’re in a perfect spot to learn from everyone’s unique skills and perspectives. Plus, it’s helpful to get a feel for the company culture and how people work together. And yes, you’ll likely be doing a bit of groundwork at the start! Taking in how things are done, getting through challenges alongside your team, and learning the ropes of managing relationships with different stakeholders. But don’t worry; this is where growth happens! Even if you’re juggling a lot, keep your goals in sight and have regular chats with your manager to make sure you’re learning and progressing in the right direction.

Effective communication– it’s more than just words

Communication is at the core of almost any job. Whether it’s assigning tasks, collaborating on projects, or sorting out conflicts, knowing how to get your message across clearly and confidently makes everything smoother.

Effective communication isn’t just about what you say, it’s about how you listen and read the room too. Having a good handle on this can help you connect with your peers and build a supportive work environment. And as you grow, you’ll feel more confident talking with everyone – from your teammates to C-suites, and with external clients.

Desire to learn

One of the best things you bring from school is a thirst for knowledge, so hold onto it! Embrace the chance to grow by learning new things and building on your current skills. Early on, you’ll usually have the space to explore different areas and connect with others in the company to see what they do.

Learning isn’t limited to just your tasks—get curious about other departments too. Gaining an understanding of what others do can give you new ways to look at challenges and solutions. Employers look at employees as an investment and showing proactive growth in your current skills as well as acquiring new ones will certainly highlight you as one for the future. Who knows – this might open new doors for you as your employers consider you for higher positions in the organisation due to your openness to perform more than what is asked.

Ability to adapt

Unlike the clear-cut schedules of school, the working world is full of surprises. Things change fast; plans shift, deadlines move, new priorities pop up. Being adaptable is huge for getting through all of this without breaking a sweat.

People who adapt well focus on finding solutions rather than getting bogged down in the problems. Keeping things positive and forward-thinking helps you stand out as a constructive team member, which makes work life way more enjoyable. Being flexible doesn’t just help you in the moment, it makes you a resilient team player who can handle just about anything thrown your way.

Diving into your first job can feel like a big leap, but by building these skills now, you’re setting yourself up to make that jump a lot smoother. With confidence, adaptability, and curiosity on your side, you’ll be ready to crush it in the workplace