It is not always easy to know what skills are needed in the work sector or how to acquire them. As a student, you might think that you will gain the skills demanded by employers through your studies. While education is undoubtedly important, it is important to know that employers are not just looking for the subject knowledge you acquire in your studies, but also who you are as a person and how you can contribute to the workplace.
The experiences you have gained alongside your studies can be valuable when applying for jobs, especially when competing against other candidates. They will give you the opportunity to not only refer to your subject knowledge, but also highlight other qualities and skills. These 12 tips will tell you how you can gain experience that will enhance your skills and increase your employability while still a student.
1. Summer jobs and part-time work
Perhaps the most obvious way to gain experience is by having a job – either alongside your studies or during the holidays. Any job can offer you invaluable insight into the working world, such as how to work in a team, communicate effectively, or manage time and responsibilities, even if the job is not directly relevant to your desired career path. If you already know what type of job you want in the future, you can try to gain the experience and skills that you know will benefit you.
2. Collaborate with employers
It can be useful to forge connections with the world of work during your studies. Participating in events and lectures organised by businesses or student associations can help you expand your network and get to know potential future employers. Such connections may lead to opportunities for collaborations in relation to assignments, practice placements or internships, or other contexts, such as in connection with an event that you are involved in planning.
At UiA Kompetansetorget, the collaboration portal for students and the work sector, you can find job opportunities, internships and other projects. Through such collaborations you can establish connections that may be helpful when seeking employment after graduation. Additionally, such experiences can help you learn what it is like to work in a particular field and how to collaborate with colleagues and teams.
3. Join student societies
You may often hear that it's important to get involved as a student, and one of the best ways to do this is by joining a student society. By becoming a part of a larger community of students, you get to know many other people and work together to achieve common goals. You can gain a lot of experience working and collaborating with other students and develop skills that are sought-after in the workplace. You can also gain experience in running an organisation, which can include different roles and responsibilities, such as chairing a board, managing a budget, developing social media content or planning activities. By joining a student society, you also get to meet students from different fields of study.
Learn more about the various academic societies and student activities on STA's website.
4. Engage in volunteer work
Finding paid work may not be easy, but it is possible to work as a volunteer. Many organisations have projects and activities where you work with people in the local community, including children. Festivals and other temporary events also often rely on volunteers to run smoothly. Volunteering provides valuable experiences in working with diverse groups of people, running organisations, and coordinating tasks. It also speaks volumes about your character and your motivation to work and help others.
Look for volunteer work that engages and motivates you to make a meaningful contribution. If you are internally driven, the work becomes enjoyable, and you are likely to achieve better results. Additionally, volunteering allows you to expand your network and gain valuable experiences that can be used as relevant examples to demonstrate your competence to future employers.
5. Develop a business idea
Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit and dream of starting your own business? Developing a business idea showcases your willingness to take risks and work towards achieving your goals. Through the process, you will gain a unique ability to lead and manage a business and devise strategies for success. You will learn how businesses operate, what roles and tasks are needed, and how to create a workplace where employees can thrive. These qualities and skills highly valued by employers and demonstrate your commitment and drive to achieving goals, which is important for staying motivated in any job.
If you have a business idea but don't know where to start, UiA Nyskaping offers support and guidance to help you develop your business.
6. Attend events and lectures
There are numerous events, lectures, company presentations, workshops, and courses hosted by business and industry, student societies and other organisations that you can attend. By participating, you get the opportunity to learn, discover new interests, meet new people and expand your network. Through these events, you can gain knowledge about topics relevant to the world of work that may be of interest to you.
7. Talk to people with experience
While you can do a lot to gain useful experience, there are also many others who have experience that you can benefit from. Speak to people and learn from their experiences. You can gain valuable knowledge by being curious and showing interest in those around you.
Attend UiA Alumni events to talk to former and current students about their experiences and receive tips. You can also meet employees and other experienced individuals by attending various events.
8. Participate in an exchange
Many students have the chance to go on exchange during their studies. This might be a step outside of your comfort zone, but it's worth taking advantage of such opportunities, even if they seem challenging. Going on exchange shows that you are independent and adventurous and teaches you about other peoples and cultures as well as yourself. You will also gain experience in adapting to new groups and quickly getting to know people. Studying abroad will give you a different educational experience with different learning methods and evaluation formats.
9. Try out different work methods
When you start working, you might find that your colleagues are accustomed to specific work procedures and methods. As a student, you have a lot to learn in a relatively short amount of time, so it's essential to try out various work methods during your studies. This could include presentations, essay writing, written exams, and gathering and analysing data. Experience with different work methods can help you stand out as an employee. It also provides a chance for you to share your knowledge with colleagues who may want to learn more about your methods.
10. Work in groups
One important quality that many employers seek is the ability to work well with others, and this skill is valuable in all types of jobs. While studying, you can develop your ability to work effectively in groups, whether it's tackling group tasks or studying for exams together. Besides gaining experience in group work, you learn a lot about cooperation, conflict management, building relationships, and dividing tasks in joint projects.
11. Learn something new
You can acquire knowledge that can be applied in your professional life not only through studies, lectures and textbooks. There are many things you can learn on your own by signing up for courses, watching documentaries, or reading articles and following the news. These can provide new and relevant insights and perspectives in your field. Taking the initiative to learn something on your own demonstrates enthusiasm and dedication to your field of interest.
12. Nurture your hobby
Most people have a hobby or interest they truly enjoy. Interestingly, this can also provide valuable skills and experiences that employers look for in their employees. Whether you enjoy film editing, posting on social media, hanging out with friends, or gaming, indulging in your own hobbies can develop abilities that translate to success in your work life and job tasks. It also reveals something about your personality and passions outside of your job, which can impact employers positively.
If you're missing something in this article or have any questions, please feel free to send an email to karriere@uia.no.