
In today’s competitive world, just having a degree or completing a course isn’t enough to make you stand out. Employers and interviewers are constantly looking for something that sets candidates apart. Imagine being in an interview, and the interviewer asks, “What have you done besides college that makes you unique?” Many students get caught off guard when this question arises because they haven’t ventured beyond their academic coursework.
If you’re wondering what you can do after college to boost your resume and stand out in the job market, this article will guide you through TOP 5 Skills to do beyond COLLEGE DEGREE to get High paying jobs in 2024. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Get Involved in Community Projects
One of the most impactful ways to develop new skills is by working on community projects. This could involve contributing to NGOs, volunteering, or participating in social work initiatives. Such projects create a tangible benefit for society, and they also enhance your leadership, teamwork, and time-management skills.
Many colleges offer clubs and societies such as NSS (National Service Scheme) and Enactus that are focused on community service. Participating in these societies can greatly impact your resume. Foreign universities, for example, often dedicate an entire section of their evaluation to social work, giving higher scores to applicants who have made a social impact.
By contributing to community projects, you not only help others but also demonstrate that you’re a well-rounded individual who thinks beyond personal gains. This trait is highly valued by employers, and it could be the key factor that helps you stand out if two candidates have similar qualifications.
2. Take Industry-Specific Certifications
While community work improves your soft skills, certifications enhance your technical expertise. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a plethora of courses in various fields, including digital marketing, data science, AI, programming, and more. Many of these courses are either free or available at a low cost, making them accessible to everyone.
The key here is not just to chase after certifications for the sake of having them. Instead, focus on learning relevant skills that align with your career goals. Whether it’s data analysis, machine learning, or graphic design, the skills you acquire from these certifications can be a gateway to internships and job opportunities.
Once you have the necessary skills, internships will naturally follow, and your resume will keep improving. Remember, in today’s fast-evolving world, just having a degree is not enough—you need to continuously learn and acquire new skills.
3. Attend Seminars and Webinars
In addition to taking online courses, attending seminars and webinars is another excellent way to expand your knowledge and network with like-minded individuals. These events are often filled with industry experts who share valuable insights and strategies. By attending these events, you not only learn new things but also get an opportunity to meet people who share your interests.
Networking is a critical skill, especially when you’re looking for internships or job opportunities. By having conversations with industry professionals and peers, you expose yourself to new ideas and opportunities that you may not have discovered otherwise.
Additionally, when you network at seminars and webinars, you can also build meaningful connections that might help you land internships, freelance gigs, or even job offers. Don’t underestimate the power of being in the right environment—surrounding yourself with people who inspire you will help you grow in ways you never imagined.
4. Build Personal Projects and Portfolios
If you’re looking for a concrete way to showcase your skills, building personal projects and portfolios is a must. Whether it’s creating a website, developing an app, or contributing to open-source projects, having tangible work to show is one of the best ways to demonstrate your abilities.
For example, even if you don’t come from a technical background, you can still take on projects that challenge you to learn new skills. I come from a commerce background, but I built my own website using HTML and Java, even though I had no prior experience in programming. This personal project is now featured on my resume under the “Projects” section, and it has earned me praise for my willingness to learn and try new things.
Employers appreciate candidates who go beyond the norm and create something on their own. It shows initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills. So, don’t hesitate to invest time in building something that showcases your skills and talents. Even a simple project can make a huge difference.
Read More:
DU SOL Admission 2024: Last Date Extended Again, New Date For All UG Courses Announced
5. Learn a Foreign Language
Learning a foreign language can open up a world of opportunities that you may not have considered. It’s not just about being bilingual; it’s about broadening your career paths and global opportunities. For example, if you gain proficiency in languages like French, German, Spanish, or Mandarin, you could find work in translation, transcription, international relations, or even freelancing.
Take my school experience, for instance. I studied French up to three or four levels, but I never pursued proficiency. Had I done so, many career options could have opened up for me in freelancing or international business.
Knowing a foreign language can also enhance your prospects in the global job market. Many multinational companies require candidates who can communicate in multiple languages. Whether you work in hospitality, travel, or international business, being proficient in a foreign language can be a significant advantage.
Conclusion
Standing out in today’s competitive job market requires more than just a degree. You need to invest time in activities that enhance both your hard and soft skills. By participating in community projects, earning relevant certifications, attending seminars, working on personal projects, and learning new languages, you can build a well-rounded profile that sets you apart from the crowd.
It’s not about doing everything at once; it’s about choosing the activities that align with your career goals and personal interests. The more you invest in your personal development, the better prepared you’ll be to face the challenges and opportunities that come your way.
So, what are you waiting for? Start now and make your resume stand out!