communication

May 29
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3 Ways to Overcome the Communication Shortfall

By | Career Advice | No Comments

The newest entrants to the business world, the millennial generation, are most comfortable communicating through texts and social media channels. But in the business world, all professionals need to effectively communicate in person, beginning with interviewing and landing the job and on to managing the day-to-day grind.

Eighty-nine percent of employers say they want colleges to place more emphasis on oral and written communication to help address this gap, according to a study by the Association of American Colleges & Universities.

You can take steps now as a college student to use the opportunities available to you to ramp up your communication skills in preparation for your career. To overcome the communication shortfall, start by:

Learning proper etiquette

Communication isn’t only verbal. Employers look for candidates that actively listen and maintain eye contact through a conversation. Use your classes as a practice field for honing these important skills, and learn how to ask smart questions.

In our digital world, it’s crucial to craft professional emails and respond succinctly. You also need exposure to proper meeting etiquette. Shadow a business member in your local community and sit in on a group meeting. Watch how the participants engage with each other and respond to any issues that may arise.

Learning how to present

Proper presentation techniques can mean the difference between a worthwhile opportunity and a period of time that each member of the audience wishes they could get back. Intentionally prepare for each class presentation – know the material, speak slowly and focus on the audience – to set the foundation for future business presentations.

Take an intro class on how to develop PowerPoint or Prezi presentations for a corporate audience and also read up on tips for hosting online webinars and conference calls. New grads lack this type of business prowess, so you will differentiate yourself in the interviewing process and impress your new boss on day one.

Learning how to sell

One of the key ways to overcome the communication shortfall is to learn how to sell an idea, a project and most importantly, yourself. You bring skills and expertise to everything you do, and beginning with your interview, you need to learn how to showcase what you have to offer in order to succeed.

Engaging, dynamic professionals stand out in one-to-one conversations, as well as large industry events. Rehearse your elevator speech, learn something new every day and look to each interaction as an opportunity to clearly articulate the impact you can make. Selling takes confidence and beginning with your college experience, you can develop the selling skills that employers will notice.

Apr 24
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How to Bridge the Gaps between College and the Real World

By | Career Advice | No Comments

The college experience gives students the opportunity to learn, explore and grow their minds and independence. And most college students believe that the skills they learn on campus are preparing them for the real world, but many employers disagree.

A study by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU) compared responses from employers and college students to questions related to career preparation, and in many key categories, college students appear to have missed the mark. While college students think they have the relevant skills to succeed after graduation, fewer than three in 10 employers think that college grads have the ability to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings. They also think that this group lacks critical thinking skills and written and oral communication skills.

So how can college students bridge the gap between college and the real world? Here are a few ways to start:

Gap #1: Hard knowledge vs. soft skills
Memorizing theories, concepts and equations may land you an “A” on your next exam, but just reciting hard facts won’t get you far on the job. Work to make connections in your classes that will help you apply the high-level knowledge you’re taking in every day, and focus on building the soft skills that so many grads lack. Push yourself to deliver a top notch presentation or take the lead on a group project. Those experiences will help you in the long run.

Gap #2: Study life vs. work life
Class, study, friends, sleep and repeat. That’s how most college students spend their four years on campus, but once you land your first job, your schedule will adjust to accommodate the nine-to-five grind along with the many adult responsibilities that come with it. To prepare yourself for this switch, look for ways to get valuable and relevant work experience while in college. You’ll get used to a more realistic work schedule, while also bolstering your resume.

Gap #3: Short-term goals vs. long-term vision
With your eyes focused on graduation, it can be easy to forget about the career that awaits you. Short-term goals will guide you through your final semesters, but you also need to start building the foundation for a long-term vision. It can be daunting to think of your life years down the road, but by outlining your long-term career vision, even in broad terms, you can focus your job search to the companies and positions that will get you where you want to be quicker than your peers.

By recognizing the gaps that exist between your college experience and the real world that lies just beyond graduation, you can focus on honing the skills that matter, both to your future employer and your future career.

Dec 27
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What You Really Need To Know Post-College

By | Classroom to Career | No Comments

As a college student, there will come a time when you have to close the textbooks, pack up your off-campus apartment and set up shop at a job where your boss will expect you to work hard for your paycheck – everyday. The real world transcends the security of any college campus, challenging you to think differently and apply the skills and concepts you studied for four years. A graduation date will no longer loom in the distance. This is real life, and you have to be ready.

Thousands of young people enter the workforce every year, but research shows that most new college grads do not possess the skills that companies look for in candidates. One survey by the Workforce Solutions Group at St. Louis Community College finds that more than 60 percent of employers say applicants lack “communication and interpersonal skills” — an increase of 10 percentage points in just two years. Many of those managers also say today’s applicants can’t think critically and creatively, solve problems or write well.

A National Association of Colleges and Employers survey of more than 200 employers shows that the vast majority of employers look for candidates who are team players, problem solvers and can plan, organize and prioritize their work.  It’s the soft skills – not the textbook knowledge – that really set you apart from the rest, not only in the interview process but into your career.

While students inherently learn some soft skills as they work through group projects and power through assignments, they need real world experience to complement their diplomas. Valuable internship programs like the Dardis Classroom to Career program teach college students how to succeed in the business world through structured training programs focused on soft skills like communication and presentation skills.  They then give students the opportunity to hone their skills in a true work environment.

Wondering if an internship makes a difference post-college? According to a survey of more than 2,000 college students and 1,000 hiring manages, more than 80 percent of employers want new grads they hire to have completed a formal internship.  Those employers know that internships provide students with the skills they need to succeed and reward those students with career opportunities.

If you’re a current student, continue to study hard but remember that in addition to your book smarts, you’ll need real world skills and experience to succeed. That’s where we come in. Apply today.

Photo credit: mer chau via Flickr

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