YOU’RE ABOUT TO GRADUATE, BUT ARE YOU EMPLOYABLE?
If you think like an entrepreneur, YES!
SEED focuses on developing entrepreneurial mindsets. This type of mindset learns from mistakes, takes action on ideas, and is consistently motivated to improve in the areas of self- and skills development.
When it comes to employability, having the right mindset allows you to become more productive and impactful at work and in society.
What is employability?
In Education for Employability, Higgs, Crisp and Letts (2019:6) explain that “employment is a short-term outcome, whereas employability is a long-term strategy … employability transcends occupations and a single career and looks to the future of work”.
Employability means more than getting or having a job. It’s about your ability to keep it. Your employability can even define your ability to create jobs – including your own. It’s what sets you apart – your skill set, achievements, attitude, competencies, and work ethic, for example. These are the things that will add to the success you experience throughout the duration of your working life.
Employability skills include, amongst others, communication, leadership, the ability to work in a team, and problem-solving. These skills are also commonly attributed to effective entrepreneurs.
Why is employability important?
According to the national Department of Higher Education and Training Job Preparation Skills Guide, “becoming employable is important because it helps you maintain a competitive edge, placing you in a better position to retain a job in our unstable economy”.
We also know that the job market is extremely competitive. Having a broad generic skill set adds to your appeal as a prospective employee. When recruiters or employers consider job applicants, they pay close attention to your skills and whether you have the right personality and qualities for the job. You need to have the skills and qualities that will set you apart from other potential candidates.
Boost your employability
Before you can improve your employability, you need to know what your employability skill level is. You also need to think about your future career, and the type of skills you’d need to gain entry to and excel in your field. Below is a list of employability skills. Think of the skills you already have, and the ones you want to develop. Find ways to refine these skills in your daily life.
Employability skills include: