Global competence requires an understanding of how to manage in the interconnecting world. This means the knowledge gained through academics alone is incapable of making an impact in the outside world.
This does not make formal education insignificant; it just means that you need to go the extra mile if you want to thrive in the globally competitive market as a student.
In this light, below are some useful tips that can be utilised to give oneself a competitive edge over others.
1. Acquire Various Skillsets
The earlier you know that there is a world beyond academic achievement, the better you can prepare and develop yourself.
As a student, ensure that you develop a broad skillset including critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication; these help to start on the right path.
2. Be Open to Multiple Perspectives
It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all way to navigate life. As a student, you need to acknowledge the presence of different viewpoints and learn from them. Do not be rigid in your thinking but inculcate a broader mindset that can help you cope in a diverse setting.
Also, students should take active steps to interact with people from different cultures to help them learn how others think, act, and do things. Having this insight enables the capacity to thrive in any part of the world.
3. Embrace Change
Change is constant in achieving growth and development. We live in a rapidly evolving world that drives change. So, it is left to you to develop adaptability mechanisms to help adjust to new circumstances almost seamlessly.
4. Seek Learning Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
The conventional teaching method in school is usually based on theories with little to no room for practicals. Hence, it is important to complement these theories with practicals.
One way to do this is by applying for internships, taking online courses that provide practical insights, or opting for study abroad programs—all of these help to remove you from the cocoon of traditional learning into real-world challenges.
5. Network
Life is all about making connections with the right people at the right places. You have goals, right? So, rather than wait for the magic to happen, establish a network of colleagues, mentors, and professionals in the field in which you intend to thrive.
Networking facilitates an opportunity to exchange knowledge with these aforementioned people. Also, it helps you grow as a student because you have more insight beyond what is taught in the four walls of a classroom.
6. Stay Updated
We live in a digital world where trends change every minute, hour, and day. So, you do yourself more harm than good if you decide to remain in your corner of being fed knowledge in the school alone rather than exploring the industry to know the latest advancements.
If you intend to thrive in the global world as a student, you must have a proactive attitude. Constantly engage in industry-specific resources to expect changes and grow in your chosen field.
7. Have a Growth Mindset
Resilience is one quality you should possess as a student. This is because it helps you get through any difficulties and constantly find ways to improve your knowledge and skills. A student with a growth mindset sees challenges and setbacks as an opportunity to grow rather than a sign to give up.
8. Time Management
Time, they say, waits for no one. So, it is necessary to have effective time management skills if you wish to live a balanced lifestyle. As students, you juggle multiple things ranging from personal, and academic, to extracurricular activities. These commitments take your time and can drown you if they aren’t effectively managed.
Learning how to prioritise and delegate tasks appropriately is a virtue that differentiates a mediocre student from one who is determined.
Conclusion
All of these tips are some of the ways you can help prepare yourself for the world that awaits you beyond the four walls of college.The earlier you realise that classroom teachings aren’t enough, the better room there is for optimal growth.
Researched by Opebiyi Olamide
