We all dream of earning our first salary, isn’t it? People have a deep urge inside themselves to do something worthwhile and make them independent. However, mostly we find ourselves in a situation where we keep on dreaming about doing something, start learning it, lose interest midway, and then again dream about doing it. All this keeps on repeating due to the chaos involved while learning something new. We are always confused about which source of learning should be chosen to make it happen. We keep looking for better sources of learning something new but get lost in between.
Why Degree is not enough?
With the dynamic nature of the world around us, a degree alone can take us only to some extent. A degree is not sufficient anymore to land us with a job position in any organization. The companies are now looking for candidates who are not only competent academically but also have creativity and practicality of the subject matter along with proper communication skills. Therefore, upskilling oneself has become extremely important in today’s scenario.
Skills every freshers begin to learn
During the process of job hunting, it is necessary for all freshers to acquire some basic skills which will enable them to survive in the contemporary job market. First, one must be able to write a professional email, communicate effectively with others and conquer the fear of speaking. In particular, the individual needs to express himself/herself without any fear.
When it comes to these basic skills, professional certifications are not necessarily needed, as only constant practice makes one perfect in them. As for building confidence, it is highly recommended that you apply the 2-minute rule : daily make a video recording of yourself communicating in front of the camera. Alternatively, you may try practicing communicating with yourself in front of the mirror every day.
Regarding resume writing and interview preparation, it is advised to look at professional CVs available on LinkedIn and other career sites. Analyze the format and style used by the experts and learn from observing and practicing constantly rather than acquiring certificates.
Basic Skills Every Fresher Should Learn:
- Professional email writing
- Communication skills
- Public speaking
- Confidence building
- Resume writing
- Time management
- Teamwork
- Basic computer skills
- Interview skills
- Problem-solving skills
Why should you learn from a course:
In order to skill yourself in your chosen domain, taking a course can be very beneficial for you. Even though certifications don’t always lead to job opportunities, they certainly do enhance your resume and indicate your readiness to learn. The biggest benefit of taking courses is that they offer a structured approach to learning. Rather than feeling confused by different sources of knowledge, you receive a clear path which begins at an introductory level and progresses into advanced material.
This allows you to structure your learning effectively and eliminate any distractions in the process. Furthermore, having all crucial concepts covered in one course saves you time and helps you remain consistent in your learning process. All you need is a good course and continuous practice.
Steps to identify a suitable course:
Often, while looking for a proper course, we tend to waste much time. Rather than wasting our weeks among various portals and suggestions, there are a few criteria one can adopt to select a suitable course. Initially, one must look at the content table of the courses to ensure that the course material is well arranged and begins with the fundamentals, specifically for beginners in the concerned skill set. The proper course would have an approach towards educating learners in stages rather than instantly going into deep waters.
Next, it is essential to consider the teaching method used by the instructor. Many platforms offer demonstration lessons or preview videos. Analyse these videos and make sure you are at ease understanding the concepts taught by the teacher. Moreover, if the course charges money, the additional perks offered by the course provider must be considered. These may include certifications, placements, assignments, projects, or mentoring.
Top 5 courses for your first job:
Digital Marketing –HubSpot Academy
Digital marketing is a great skill that you can develop for the online environment nowadays. The learners get to learn about SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, branding, and various strategies. It is very useful for the ones that aim at learning more about online platforms such as students, freelancers, content writers, and even businessmen.
Python Programming – freeCodeCamp
It can be stated that python programming language is one of the easiest languages to learn due to its simplicity. It can be used in various spheres such as artificial intelligence, automation, software development, data science, and others. The learners start from basics and move on to complex things.
Content Writing and Copywriting – HubSpot Academy
Another great skill to have in order to succeed online is content writing. Students learn about different techniques, SEO writing, storytelling, and audience engagement in blogs and other online sites. Such skill is valuable for students interested in blogging and social media.
UI/UX Designing – Coursera
UI/UX designing skill is about making websites and apps easier and better for users’ perception. Learners are taught about user experience, research, and design principles such as wireframing and interface designs.
Internet of Things (IoT) – Coursera / edX
IoT helps learners understand smart devices, sensors, automation systems, and connected technologies. It is highly useful for those who are interested in future innovations like smart homes, healthcare devices, and industrial automation.
How should one study efficiently from the selected course?
Even after finding the right course, the real challenge is learning it properly and staying consistent throughout the process. In order to learn the concepts easily and remember them for long, you must follow a few good practices starting from the very first day of taking up the course. It includes maintaining notes on a regular basis. Notes of anything learned should be written in their own words and not directly copied from the course itself. This helps in better understanding and active learning.
Another important tip is to practice consistently. Practice is essential for mastering any skill, especially in case of a technical skill. Continuous watching of videos should be avoided. Active practical learning makes the concept clear and easier to remember in the future. In case there are some assignments or coding exercises or quizzes included in the course material, solve them regularly. You can also take help of solving additional MCQ questions.
Final words:
Don’t waste too much time looking for the “best” or the “perfectl” course on the internet. Nothing will help you unless you begin to learn and practice regularly. A lot of people tend to get lost between all those comparisons and fail to realize that skills should be built. Learn as soon as possible, using any available means, no matter what.
What really counts in this world is not the number of branded certificates you earned but the ability to handle with various situations and use your experience and knowledge in the most efficient way possible. Therefore, do not overthink, choose a course, and start learning.