Building Durable Skills for Career Success

College is more than a time for academics; it’s a launchpad for building a career. Through Education at Work, students will develop lasting skills that prepare them for success after graduation. This blog highlights how an Education at Work student job can be more than just a college gig; it can be the gateway to a high-quality post-graduate job. 

Building Durable Skills

Developing “durable skills”—relevant and adaptable skills across roles and industries—is one of the most impactful ways a student job can contribute to your career. Unlike technical skills, which may become outdated, durable skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are always in demand. The World Economic Forum (WEF) projects that by 2025, more than 50% of all employees will need reskilling due to shifts in the skills required for their jobs. This reskilling need highlights the value of durable skills, a foundation professionals can build on throughout their careers.

Why Durable Skills Matter

The demand for durable skills has increased, with employers prioritizing attributes like creativity, collaboration, and resilience over specific technical knowledge. The top 5 durable skills were requested 3.8x more than the top 5 hard skills. According to a LinkedIn report, 89% of recruiters say that when a new hire doesn’t work out, it’s usually due to a lack of soft skills rather than technical skills. This means that students who excel in developing durable skills are more likely to succeed in securing and retaining high-quality job roles, regardless of their field.

How Education at Work Student Jobs Foster Durable Skills

Education at Work student jobs require you to juggle responsibilities, collaborate with coworkers, and often handle challenges on the fly. Here’s how our  student jobs can help you cultivate some of the most essential and durable skills:

• Problem-Solving: In almost any student role, from customer service to project coordination, challenges will arise that require quick thinking and creative solutions. Use these moments as opportunities to hone your problem-solving abilities—an essential skill in any industry.
• Adaptability: The ability to adjust to new processes, technologies, or shifts in responsibilities is invaluable. By embracing changes in your student job, you build flexibility and adaptability, which are crucial in today’s dynamic job market.
• Communication: Clear, professional communication is central to nearly every role, and Education at Work’s student jobs provide frequent practice, whether you’re interacting with customers, coworkers, or supervisors. These interactions help you learn how to convey ideas, listen actively, and adjust your communication style based on your audience.

 

Practical Tips for Developing Durable Skills at Education at Work

• Seek Out Challenges: Don’t settle for routine tasks. Ask your supervisor for additional responsibilities that push you out of your comfort zone. For example, volunteering to lead a small project can develop leadership and project management skills.
• Set Skill Development Goals: Identify critical skills—such as teamwork, organization, or conflict resolution—that you want to focus on in your role. Track your progress and reflect on how your job tasks contribute to your growth in these areas.
• Request Feedback: Regular feedback from supervisors or colleagues can provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement. Embracing constructive criticism is a skill and a powerful way to keep growing.

 

By actively developing durable skills in your Education at Work student job, you’ll perform better and build a skill set that will carry you through various career opportunities. Employers in all sectors seek candidates who can adapt, communicate, and tackle challenges effectively—qualities that start with intentional growth in entry-level roles.

Ready to take advantage of a valuable platform for building durable skills that last far beyond graduation? Check out our current student job listings to see how Education at Work can help you become a professional who can thrive in any environment!