Effective communication—both written and verbal—is at the top of nearly every employer’s wish list. In college, you can hone this skill by:

• Writing professionally: Practice writing clear and concise emails to professors or classmates. Avoid slang, and double-check grammar before hitting send.
• Public speaking: Presentations are a great way to practice. Don’t shy away from opportunities to speak in front of others—they’ll help build your confidence for future job interviews.
• Active listening: Pay attention in lectures and when working in groups. Listening well is just as important as speaking clearly.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is all about managing your emotions and understanding those of others. It’s a skill that helps you navigate stressful situations, work in teams, and handle feedback. You can start building EQ in college by:

• Managing stress: College can be intense, but learning to handle pressure calmly will serve you well in your career.
• Handling feedback: Whether it’s from a professor or a peer, practice taking constructive criticism gracefully and using it to improve.
• Reading social cues: Understand your classmates’ and professors’ perspectives, and tailor your communication accordingly.

Employers consistently rank teamwork as one of the most important skills for new hires. In college, you’ll often work in group settings, which is the perfect opportunity to build collaboration skills. Here’s how to do it:

• Contribute equally: Pull your weight in group projects, and make sure your contributions align with the team’s goals.
• Stay open to ideas: Be flexible when collaborating, and understand that others’ perspectives can improve your work.
• Practice leadership: Step up to lead when necessary, but also know when to listen and support others.

Being a good problem-solver means you can identify challenges and find creative ways to overcome them. College is full of opportunities to practice this skill:

• Take initiative: When faced with a difficult assignment, don’t wait for someone to tell you what to do—try to figure it out on your own first.
• Think critically: Analyze problems from different angles, and consider multiple solutions before settling on the best one.
• Embrace challenges: Seek out difficult tasks, whether in class or internships, that force you to stretch your thinking.

In today’s fast-paced job market, employers highly value candidates who can adapt to change. This is especially important when new technologies or processes are introduced. Here’s how to practice adaptability in college:

• Embrace change: Be open to taking different courses or joining new projects, even if they’re outside your comfort zone.
• Stay curious: Ask questions, and keep learning about new topics and trends in your field.
• Multitask effectively: Manage your time wisely when juggling multiple assignments or responsibilities.

Being accountable means, you take ownership of your work and follow through on commitments. This is one of the most crucial traits employers look for in new hires. You can develop accountability in college by:

• Meeting deadlines: Don’t wait until the last minute to complete assignments. Develop a habit of finishing tasks early or on time.
• Owning your mistakes: When something goes wrong, be upfront about it and work to fix the problem. Employers appreciate honesty and responsibility.
• Managing time effectively: Learn to prioritize your workload, and stay organized to meet all of your commitments.

Professionalism and a strong work ethic are about consistently showing up, being reliable, and going the extra mile. Employers want people who take their roles seriously. You can show this in college by:

• Being punctual: Whether it’s showing up for class or meetings, being on time signals respect for others’ time and commitment to your work.
• Taking pride in your work: Put effort into every assignment, even the ones that don’t seem exciting. Doing your best work now will set a pattern for future success.
• Avoiding excuses: If you can’t meet a deadline, communicate it early rather than coming up with excuses after the fact.

Employers check your online presence, and they expect a clean, professional digital footprint. Here’s how to manage your digital persona while still in college:

• Mind what you post: Keep controversial topics, like politics or personal grievances, off public social media profiles.
• Use LinkedIn: Build a professional profile that showcases your education, skills, and achievements. Engage with industry-related content to start building your network.
• Maintain privacy: Double-check your privacy settings on personal accounts, and always be mindful of how your posts could be interpreted.

Employers are looking for candidates who are committed to lifelong learning and professional development. Even after you graduate, the learning shouldn’t stop. Here’s how to build this habit in college:

• Seek out certifications: Platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer certifications in valuable skills like project management, coding, or graphic design.
• Attend workshops and seminars: Many schools offer career-building events—take full advantage of these resources.
• Embrace feedback: Use the feedback you receive in your classes to continually improve and develop your skills.