'Degree' is not just enough, then WHAT ELSE?

In the 21 st Century with millennial's turning into adults, the so called “Degree/Qualification Certificate” isn’t just enough to prove the person to be qualified or suitable for a particular profession.

We surely have to have more to withstand and excel cut-throat competition in today’s market. With placements being around the corner in educational institutions here are certain qualities that one must have acquired or must acquire not just to crack the job offers but to excel in one after joining. No wonder the education rendered at institution in the specialized discipline is important to have the technical know-how in the arena of the job. Also It is very crucial to master your domain of work with all possible information. Honestly, in the world of IT and internet ‘Information is Power’. However, one completely cannot rely on the institution for education. It doesn’t work practically. Self-learning has to be inculcated in the minds of the students to learn more. Self-learning is not just a process but an attitude. 

A wise man once quoted that “I’m not a product of any Institution. I’m a product of my own Vision”. 

With an appropriate vision and zeal to learn it’s possible to keep one well informed. As, a soon-to-graduate you need to imbibe yourself with discipline and accountability. Discipline builds the character of a person to be - composed, systematic, mindful and organised. These are not just the words that hold specific meaning but are actual traits that fetch a great personality. Accountability nudges one to be a diligent worker and helps in imparting a sense of commitment towards work. During the years of graduation, you must learn to recognize the opportunities that drive you towards your passion and squeeze every drop of it. Making right choices of opportunities will lead you one step ahead towards your vision and ultimately assist to attain self-awareness. By accepting the responsibility of the opportunity offere, you should learn two more things – Time Management and Multi-tasking. The world around is very demanding and the person should learn these aforementioned attributes to exhibit full extent of their competence. Amidst work pressure, these will help you complete the given task successfully.

Another quintessential quality every professional should comprehend and implement is ‘Professionalism’. Literally, Professionalism means the status, method, character or standard expected of a professional working at the organisation; this includes reliability, discretion and fair play. One needs to draw a line of difference between professional and personal issues in order to balance both with flying colors. 

A consistent effort on improving Communication Skills – Verbal, Non-Verbal, Analytical, is the need of the hour. Verbal communication skills include speech and language whereas non-verbal communication skills speaks about how you use the language to communicate the right message to the recipient. This includes body language, gesture, expressions and etiquette which aid to maintain the decorum of the surroundings. Analytical communication skills are the abilities to comprehend, interpret and anticipate the given task or message in a meaningful way. It is a meta-cognitive process. To improve your credentials analytically, acquire the following – Effective Research, Careful Data Analysis, Efficient Problem-Solving Ability, Creative Thinking and Compelling Communication. I think, now we all understand why these sections are involved in the competitive exams or screening tests for any job. All these attributes are tested in a miniature version in those examinations. Last but not the least, one should wear ‘Confidence’ as the best outfit or accessory for any given situation.

In nutshell, truly the degree isn’t just enough. Hope all the readers acquire these and gain much more in life. Good luck.