Building Skills, Gaining Experience, and Building Connections

Series General, Blog 3 (contd.)

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Hey there, young friends!

In my last post, we talked about why soft skills are the new superpower. (If you missed it, check it out here). But here’s the thing: knowing why soft skills matter is only half the battle. The real magic happens when you learn how to build them and use them in the real world.

That’s where this post comes in. We’ll dive into:

How to build soft skills through training, practice, and real-world projects.
How to gain real-world experience through internships and informal projects.
How to build meaningful connections through networking and mentorship.

Ready to level up? Let’s get started!

Section 1: Building Soft Skills – From Theory to Practice

So, you know soft skills like communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence are crucial. But how do you actually develop them? Here’s the game plan:

1. Training and Courses

Platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on soft skills. For example:
- Communication Skills by University of Sydney
- Emotional Intelligence by Arizona State University
Pro tip: Many of these courses are free or affordable.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

Join student clubs, debate teams, or theatre groups in your local area to practice communication and teamwork. If these are not available, take the initiative and leadership to build some of these teams and groups and gather young peers from nearby communities to join and practice. Need I tell you how this will build your character and your leadership acumen?
Volunteer for group projects in college; they’re a goldmine for learning collaboration and conflict resolution.

3. Case Studies and Role-Playing

Analyze real-world scenarios to understand decision-making and leadership. Here are some high-profile examples from India (find some of your own too):

Example 1: Ratan Tata and the Tata Nano Crisis

Scenario: When the Tata Nano, touted as the “people’s car”, faced production delays and relocation issues due to politics, Ratan Tata stepped in to address the crisis.
Leadership Lesson: Tata demonstrated emotional intelligence by empathizing with displaced farmers and offering them fair compensation. He also showed decisiveness by relocating the plant to Gujarat to meet deadlines.
Takeaway: Great leaders balance empathy with action.

Example 2: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Biocon’s Growth

Scenario: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder of Biocon, faced skepticism as a woman entrepreneur in the male-dominated biotech industry.
Leadership Lesson: She used resilience and communication skills to build trust with investors and stakeholders, eventually turning Biocon into a global biopharmaceutical giant.
Takeaway: Persistence and clear communication can break barriers.

Example 3: N. R. Narayana Murthy and Infosys’ Ethical Leadership

Scenario: Infosys faced a crisis when a whistleblower alleged financial misconduct by top executives.
Leadership Lesson: Narayana Murthy emphasized transparency and accountability, ensuring a thorough investigation and corrective actions.
Takeaway: Ethical leadership builds long-term trust and credibility.

Use role-playing exercises with friends, colleagues, family members to simulate workplace situations (e.g., giving feedback or handling a difficult client).

When I was in school, I joined the debate club to improve my communication skills. At first, I was terrible – stumbling over my words, forgetting my points. But over time, I learned to think on my feet, research my topics well, and articulate my ideas clearly. Those skills have been invaluable in my career ever since.

Start building your soft skills today! Check out free courses around these aspects on Coursera.

Section 2: Gaining Real-World Experience – Internships and Projects

Now that you’ve got some skills, it’s time to put them to work. And no, I’m not talking about your part-time job at the local café (though shoutout to McDonalds and Baristas everywhere). I’m talking about internships and projects that will give you real-world experience.

Why Internships and Projects Matter

They help you apply your skills in a professional setting.
They teach you how to navigate workplace dynamics.
They make your resume stand out (because let’s face it, everyone has a degree these days).

How to Find (and Make, if you have to) Opportunities

Use platforms like:
Reach out to professors, alumni, and industry professionals.
Don’t wait for formal internships; start your own projects! For example:
- Create a blog or YouTube channel to showcase your skills.
- Offer to help a local business with their social media or marketing.

I’m reminded of a story from a few years ago. A friend of mine wanted to break into digital marketing but struggled to land an internship. Instead of waiting for an opportunity, she teamed up with a college friend and started her own blog. Over time, it evolved into a podcast, then YouTube videos, and before she knew it, her platforms had amassed over 3.2 lakh followers in just a year. Not only did she start earning more than she might have in a traditional job, but she also built a thriving advisory consultancy practice. Today, she works with top agencies, helping them build an enviable social media presence for their clients.

Internshala, Let’s Intern, AngelList

Section 3: Building Connections – Networking and Mentorship

Alright, let’s talk about the secret sauce of career success: networking and mentorship.

I know what you’re thinking: “Networking? Isn’t that just awkward small talk at career fairs?” Well, yes and no. Networking is about building genuine connections with people who can help you grow.

How to Network Effectively

Connect with professionals on LinkedIn – send a personalized message explaining why you admire their work.
Attend career fairs, industry events, and webinars.
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice (politely, of course).

Finding Mentors

Mentors can provide guidance, support, and insider knowledge.
Look for mentors in your field – professors, alumni, or industry professionals.
Build a meaningful relationship by staying in touch and showing gratitude.

Once, in a moment of inspiration, I reached out to a renowned, senior professional in my field on LinkedIn to seek guidance about a career development initiative I was contemplating, but was confused about. To my surprise, the person not only responded to my message, he also agreed to meet over coffee. That extremely-rich conversation not only solved my dilemma, but subsequently led to a mentorship that has shaped my career in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Start building your network today! Connect with professionals on LinkedIn.

Conclusion

So, there you have it: your roadmap to going from campus to career. Start building your soft skills today, gain real-world experience through internships and projects, and connect with mentors who can guide you.

Ready to start your journey? Explore our resources and connect with industry professionals today!

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