Students have worked hard to get here. It has been a long time coming, and this last year has probably been very challenging. After all the festivities are over, it is time to change focus and to anticipate, 'What's Next.' Time for the next step –Universal job skills that can boost your career. If mastered, it can improve your job prospects.

Transitioning to your next step:

It is not a coincidence some people can hop jobs and industries with ease. They move from one role to a seemingly unrelated one –these lucky souls have universal job skills that have stood the test of time – (aka) transferable skills.

Great communication skills. Can you string two sentences to your colleagues with ease, and do you listen well? Can you put yourself in someone else shoes? These skills may leapfrog you to the front of a job queue. Remember communication, is not just verbal. Good writing grammar spelling is crucial to getting ahead despite what your friends might say. Almost everyone has to send work emails, and as you progress up the promotion chain, you will probably need to write reports.

Flexibility, adaptability, and innovation: Change is a given in organizations, and those people who can be flexible, adapt to change, and innovate are sought after. The employer is more impressed with the person who embraces the new system and sees the potential improvements it brings - rather than the employee who grudgingly accepts that s/he will have to change. Being open to new ideas is an invaluable skill.

Great interpersonal skills. The personable person gets ahead at work. Working well with others is a prerequisite for almost every job – even if you only see your colleagues at weekly team or Zoom meetings. What’s more, if you can build internal or external relationships, organize colleagues to collaborate, you will rack up both brownie points and achievements. Some of the skills you need to succeed in interpersonal relationships are listening, fairness and empathy. Being resilient and able to bounce back is also essential.

Technical skills and initiative universally regarded -Computer skills. Good computer skills get you noticed even if your job doesn’t directly rely on them. You might help your boss solve a confusing and difficult problem or question with an Excel spreadsheet or even more demonstrate the use of the company database more efficiently to colleagues.

Knowing how to find information is a beneficial skill in most industries. The ability to research a subject or issue and give options, tell the boss what the company has done in the past in similar circumstances, or find out how other organizations tackle it.

Finally, relax easy and kudos on your achievement as a COLLEGE GRAD.