4 Skills Most Recruiters Look For (and How You Can Build Them at Uni)

Some skills are always in vogue, and being able to cultivate them while you study is a great way to start building your employability for when you get stuck in to that job search. Some of the most requested skills employers are looking for include: teamwork ability, industry knowledge, the ability to problem solve, and great communication.

Obviously, experience is the biggest must to boost your career prospects while studying. Undertaking an internship, volunteering, or taking part in university competitions are all great ways to build your industry-specific skills outside of the classroom and will stand you in good stead when the workforce starts calling.

Aside from this, there are a number of ways you can improve these skills while at uni. Read on to find out how!

1. Teamwork

Being able to work successfully alongside other people is a valuable skill in almost every workplace. Luckily, it’s also a relatively easy one to build while studying.

Organise a study group or get involved in one of UTS’s numerous clubs and societies. Not only will you be able to build your teamwork skills by working through problems together, joining in with activities at events, and planning get-togethers, but you’ll also be able to forge new connections that can last well beyond your studies.

2. Industry knowledge

While different for each field, the way you can build your industry knowledge is pretty transferable regardless of what you’re hoping to do once you graduate.

Look into different conferences, publications, or professional groups in your field. Many have student discounts and send out newsletters, professional publications, or tailored articles that can help you stay up-to-date on current trends.

3. Problem solving

Being able to draw on creative and analytical abilities to solve a problem is a great skill to cultivate, and can be applied to whatever industry you find yourself in.

Employers appreciate some out-of-the-box thinking, and if you can relate it to your industry then even better! To help develop this skill, make note of any interesting topics that come up in class and either have a more in-depth discussion about them with your tutor or peers, or explore them yourself in some personal project work. Putting what you learn in class into practice during your spare time is a great way to experiment, get your problem solving skills going, and may even result in an achievement worthy to put on your resume – win-win!

4. Communication

Being able to succinctly and straightforwardly convey your thoughts and feelings – either verbally or through the written word – is an immensely helpful skill to have.

The assignments you do at university are, of course, fantastic practice but it’s important to also ask for detailed feedback so you can work on the elements you struggle with. Too much passive voice in your essays? Not enough eye contact in your presentations? Getting detailed feedback can help you clarify what you need to improve and work on it before you head into the workforce.

These skill-building solutions can not only help you gain career confidence and meet employers’ needs, but may also prove to be great inclusions on your resume or interview responses when you do apply for that dream role!

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