Finding the right job
Personal Qualities for Business Success
Every company will be searching for a graduate who fits their business perfectly, but there are some universal qualities that all employers will welcome. Give yourself a head start by acquiring some of these crucial skills before that dream job comes along...
People skills
Whether it’s dealing with customers, colleagues, board members or consultants, being able to effectively create and sustain relationships is the most important quality you can garner.
- Leadership – You need to be clear on objectives, value the contributions of your colleagues and work hard to gain their respect.
- Communication – Always be clear about your expectations and, importantly, listen to what others have to say. One of the biggest areas of conflict is ineffective communication.
- Team-building – Motivating and developing people to work effectively together to achieve results, with appropriate support and guidance.
- Interpersonal skills – ideal qualities are enthusiasm, energy, drive, perceptiveness, analytical ability, calmness, tenacity, adaptability and resilience.
Get the skills: Joining a sports team is ideal for developing these kinds of skills, but if running around isn’t your thing, a gap year could also develop your potential.
Technology
Being PC literate is practically a must in any industry, but many jobs will require a higher level of expertise. Using computer programmes for project management and system modelling is essential for most managers. Professionals in the logistics and transport sector are most likely to use more advanced tools (eg in warehouses, delivery/transport planning, town planning, etc) and purchasing professionals are increasingly using online procurement tools to streamline their work and make their company more competitive.
Get the skills: Many universities now offer training for the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), which is an internationally recognised qualification in personal computing skills. It certifies that you have the knowledge and skills needed to use common computer applications. Go to your university library to find out more.
Academic requirements
A lot of graduates study a general business degree to give an overall grounding of business practices, however there are more and more niche degrees becoming available that specialise in logistics, procurement, marketing etc. You must be logged in to read the full article. Please register or log in.