Last week I did a presentation for a group of students on Resume Writing. Some of whom will be applying for summer jobs or full-time work whilst they take a short break from studies, and the others will be entering university in the new school term.
During that presentation, I remember thinking about when I completed secondary school...I did not had the finances to pursue an undergraduate degree, but more so, I did not had the desire to do so at that time.
If only I had a coach to guide me along my career path, I would have given some thought and define what success looked like for me and what I needed to do to make it a reality. This is one of the reasons why I choose to became a career coach.
Having said that, let's look at some of the areas students, young professionals and everyone who wants to achieve success in life has to focus on.
You need to begin by having a clear picture (visualization) of what you are working to achieve. In his book 'The seven habits of highly effective people', Steven Covey highlighted seven habits we should all develop and they are ....
- Habit 1: Be Proactive? .
- Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind?
- Habit 3: Put First Things First?
- Habit 4: Think Win-Win?
- Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood?
- Habit 6: Synergize?
- Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw?
I encourage you to read this book and start practicing these habits. In this article I want you to begin with the end in mind (habit 2)....define what success means for you. Once you have done that, you can now work to achieve it and here are some tips to get you started.
For Students Continuing Education
- Time Management: Develop a schedule to balance studies, extracurricular activities, and personal time. Use tools like planners or digital apps to stay organized.
- Study Skills: Learn effective study techniques such as active reading, note-taking, or develop a rhyme or acronym to help you remember things. Regularly review your work instead of cramming.
- Goal Setting: Set short-term and long-term academic goals. Make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
- Seek Resources: Utilize school resources like tutoring centers, libraries, and academic advisors. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.
- Networking: Build relationships with professors, peers, mentors, career coaches and professionals in your field. Join student organizations and attend relevant events.
- Health and Wellness: Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Mental health is equally important; seek support if needed.
For Students Entering the Workforce
- Resume Building: Create a strong resume that highlights your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Tailor it to each job application.
- Interview Preparation: Practice common interview questions and develop concise, confident responses. Research the company and the role you're applying for.
- Professional Skills: Develop soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are valuable in any job setting.
- Continuous Learning: Stay open to learning new skills and gaining certifications relevant to your field. This shows initiative and can make you more competitive.
- Financial Literacy: Learn the basics of managing finances, including budgeting, saving, and understanding credit. This is crucial for financial independence.
- Work-Life Balance: Establish boundaries to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. Time management and self-care are key.
For All Students
- Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your goals, progress, and areas for improvement. Adjust your strategies as needed because external forces are always changing.
- Adaptability: Be open to change and willing to adapt to new situations. This is especially important in today’s fast-paced world.
- Confidence Building: Engage in activities that boost your confidence, such as public speaking, volunteering, or pursuing hobbies.
- Networking: Build and maintain a professional network. LinkedIn is a useful tool for connecting with professionals and finding job opportunities.
- Ethical Behaviour: Practice integrity and ethical behaviour in all areas of life. This builds trust and respect from others.
- Mindfulness and Stress Management: Practice mindfulness techniques to manage stress and stay focused. This can include meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga.
I struggled to find my first job job, but once I did, I started to think about my future and developed habits to take me there. Later on in life, I did obtain my degree and other certifications.
I encourage you to learn from the lessons of your elders and begin with the end in mind. Have a clear picture of the success you are pursuing; implement these tips in your life to help you develop personally and professionally.
