University is often seen as the golden ticket to a successful career. But in today’s competitive job market, a degree alone is rarely enough to secure your dream job.
Employers are increasingly focusing on specific skills rather than solely on academic achievements. In 2024, 54% of UK employers indicated a move towards evaluating candidates based on their skills, highlighting the importance of wider employability like communication, adaptability, and digital literacy.
Here are some of the top employability skills to develop during university, along with practical tips on how to build them informally in your everyday student life…
1. Teamwork
No matter the industry, working effectively as part of a team is essential. Your ability to collaborate with others, navigate different personalities, and share responsibility will set you apart when entering the workforce.
How to develop it: Get involved in group projects, whether as part of your course or through extracurricular activities. Joining a student society, sports team, or volunteering group will give you ample opportunity to practise teamwork. Even sharing a student flat in Manchester, Liverpool, London, or other diverse cities across the UK can teach you valuable lessons about compromise, negotiation, and supporting those around you.
2. Communication Skills
Strong communication skills – both written and verbal – are vital in every career. Employers want graduates who can express their ideas clearly, listen actively, and tailor their communication style to suit different audiences.
How to develop it: Start by paying attention to how you communicate in seminars, presentations, and emails. Look for opportunities to practise public speaking, such as giving a presentation in class or speaking at society events. Participating in student journalism, debating clubs, or social media campaigns can also strengthen your written and verbal communication.
3. Adaptability and Resilience
Today’s workplace is fast-changing, and employers value individuals who can adapt to new challenges and bounce back from setbacks. Whether you’re learning new technologies, handling shifting priorities, or navigating uncertainty, adaptability and resilience will keep you on track.
How to develop it: University life naturally presents plenty of opportunities to strengthen these skills. Managing a heavy workload, dealing with unexpected grades, or adjusting to life away from home all help build resilience. Embrace challenges, take on new experiences, and reflect on what you’ve learned when things don’t go to plan.
4. Digital Literacy
In the digital age, strong digital literacy is non-negotiable. Beyond basic computer skills, employers expect graduates to be comfortable using a range of digital tools, platforms, and software relevant to their industry.
How to develop it: Don’t wait for formal classes to build your digital skills. Explore free online tools, take part in virtual internships or online courses, and experiment with platforms like Canva, Trello, or Slack. Many of these digital tools have free versions or offer discounted rates for students while you’re studying at university, so it’s a great time to explore them affordably. If you’re part of a student society, offer to manage their social media accounts or help set up a website – practical experience will impress employers far more than simply listing software on your CV.
5. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Employers want graduates who can approach problems thoughtfully, analyse information, and develop creative solutions. Problem-solving and critical thinking are essential for tackling complex tasks and making sound decisions.
How to develop it: Look for scenarios where you can flex these muscles. This might mean taking a leadership role in a group project, navigating roommate disagreements, or helping organise a large student event. Take time to reflect on how you approach challenges and consider how you could improve.
6. Time Management and Organisation
Balancing multiple deadlines and commitments is part of student life, but it also mirrors the realities of the workplace. Strong time management and organisation skills will help you deliver results under pressure and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
How to develop it: Use your university years as a training ground. Create to-do lists, prioritise tasks, and break large projects into manageable chunks. Experiment with productivity techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique or time-blocking. Getting involved in extracurricular activities alongside your studies can help you learn how to juggle competing demands effectively.
7. Networking and Relationship-Building
Who you know can be just as important as what you know. Building a professional network during university can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and valuable advice.
How to develop it: Attend careers fairs, networking events, and industry talks organised by your university. Don’t be afraid to reach out to guest speakers, alumni, or LinkedIn contacts – a polite, professional message can go a long way. Even building positive relationships with lecturers, tutors, and peers can strengthen your professional connections.
Build Employability Skills That Set You Apart
While your degree provides essential knowledge, it’s the employability skills you develop alongside your studies that will truly make you stand out. From teamwork and communication to digital literacy and resilience, these abilities can be nurtured every day – whether you’re working on a group project, volunteering, or simply learning to navigate life in shared accommodation.
So, take charge of your development, seek out opportunities to grow, and remember: university is not just about what you learn in the classroom, but about who you become outside of it!