VIEWPOINT
Are you fit to work from day one?
Despite the slowdown in hiring, finding candidates with the right employability skills continues to remain a challenge. A significant majority of students from technical streams such as engineering and IT fail to pass muster in employability skills such as communication, initiative, problem solving, decision-making and learning ability, making them ‘hard-to-train’ for employers. Even in best circumstances, it takes anywhere from six months to up to a year for a
fresh recruit to get adjusted to the corporate environment. With corners being cut and budgets getting the hack, no company wants to train fresh graduates, only to lose them to other companies.
For those fresh out of colleges, it is vital to understand that apart from academic knowledge employers are more likely to be looking for candidates who will be able to fit in and work efficiently within the boundaries of a workplace. For example, a person who can think critically, act logically, make responsible decisions and co-ordinate well with others is natural leadership material. For running the organisation on a day to day basis, businesses need reliable, responsible people who are good at adapting to new situations, people who are creative and capable of planning and executing ideas, people who work well with teams and are self-motivated. Without these skills, it would become difficult for candidates to create a good impression at the interview, let alone get selected. In order to remain competitive, you have to take the initiative to develop and continue to enhance your employability skills. Remember, development of employability skills does not begin ‘after’ your graduation, but while you are still studying.
While still at college, students need to recognise they can develop their employability skills through a whole range of activities both within and outside their academic study.
Take your projects and internships seriously. Part-time jobs, voluntary work, apprenticeships are all different types of activities that count as work experience. Through such opportunities you can not only develop your employability skills, but also gain relevant technical skills and experience that are essential for certain careers.
Ask the professors and counsellors in your college to provide more information and training in employability skills. Employability skills like effective communication and presentation skills, problem solving and decision making, goal setting, logical thinking, teamwork are teachable skills and can be quite easily incorporated into the regular curriculum.
Understand that there is life outside studies. Actively participate in classroom discussions, extra curricular activities, voluntary projects and assignments. Get involved in societies and cultural associations in the campus and take on positions of responsibility within the student community.
Be a socially active citizen. Social work can be very rewarding and satisfying and you will gain confidence and job relevant skills by getting involved in needy causes. There is no age or educational bar for serving the society, so you can start even if you are only in high school. Coordinate with school authorities to organise regular social campaigns that will benefit the poor. Or if you prefer to do it on your own time, contact NGOs or other charitable organisations in your area and find out how you can be of service to them.
Get a role model. Studies have shown that emulating the behaviour, attitude and thoughts of successful people can make you more successful. Role models are important because they inculcate positive values into your personality and provide direction in achieving your goals. Role models can compensate for your lack of experience and make it easy for you to acquire the skills and attitude required for workplace success.
It’s important for newbie job seekers to network, research and stay on top of trends. Read informative books and journals. Attend seminars. Practice self-discipline and become your own chief motivator. Consider joining additional courses that can help you improve areas that you are weak in.
Rather than waiting for the completion of your academic study to find that you are not effectively equipped to compete in the market, make use of the ample opportunities you have while still at school to develop and hone skills and attributes that can make you a great asset to any organisation.
