Part 5 of After School: - Selling Your Skills, Not Just the Degree

Once you are done with school, you might think that the hardest part is behind you. You are just getting started. A child in this game.

Here’s a truth I wish I knew earlier: You’re not the hot cake just because you’ve graduated or hold a degree. In fact, your degree is just the beginning. What truly matters in the professional world is knowing what you’re good at and how to sell that which you are good at effectively.

The Business Analogy: You’re the Product

Think of job hunting like running a business.

In any business, success hinges on meeting a demand with a quality product or service. As an employee, you are the product, and the company is the customer. The company is looking for specific skills to meet their needs. You need to communicate clearly what makes you the solution to their problem. That’s how you position yourself as an asset in this new field. That's how you play this game.

If you don’t understand this dynamic, you risk coming across as a liability. Just as a business needs to meet customer expectations, you need to show how your skills can meet a company’s needs.

This is where the money-maker lies.

You Are Either an Asset or a Liability

When you walk into an interview, you’re not just "talking"—you’re selling your skill set.

In that moment, you need to prove that you are the right investment. Companies hire based on the value you bring. You need to show them that you’re not just another cog in the machine but someone who adds value and helps the company grow.

This is where the distinction between being an asset or a liability becomes crystal clear. How you present your skills and how well you can connect them to the company’s needs will determine how you’re perceived.

If you can clearly demonstrate your value, you’ll be seen as an asset. It will be easier for you and you can new see yourself as the prize.

Selling Your Skills: Understanding the Real World

Now, let’s get to the second part: You’re actually selling your skills to whoever you’re talking to.

This is the real world, and it’s not about faking it or pretending to know something you don’t. It’s about having a solid understanding of what you can do and being confident enough to talk about it.

There are levels to this. You’re probably just starting out in your career, and that’s okay. Whoever you are talking to maybe seeing right through you. Don't fake it.

You may be talking to seasoned professionals, and that’s where you’ll learn the most. You might not know everything, but you do need to be clear on what you bring to the table.

They will see right through it and if the wanted someone at the beginner stage willing to learn and grow, you are probably going to fit their need.

Papers Don’t Mean Everything—But Skills Do

There’s a common belief that in today’s world, papers (degrees, certifications, etc.) don’t mean much anymore, and it’s true to some extent. However, it’s not that papers don’t have value. It’s just that, in today’s competitive world, you need to know how to sell your skills effectively to potential employers or partners.

Your degree is the foundation, but your ability to demonstrate your expertise and sell what you can do is what will truly set you apart. Your paper might get your foot in the door, but your skills are what will keep you there.

So Listen dear Jobseeker: Know Your Strengths and Sell Them Well

When job hunting, remember that you’re not just looking for a job—you're offering a solution.

Know your strengths, articulate them clearly, and make sure you’re selling yourself as a valuable asset to the company.

The better you can communicate this, the better your chances of landing the right opportunity.