6 Skills That All Young Professionals Need to Master

in

There are plenty of skills you get the chance to learn in life, whether it be through video games, real-life situations, classes, or far beyond. While you’re growing and developing into the person you want to be, you’ll also need to look into the skills that you have to master as a young professional. So, here are some of the vital ones!

Image credit


Time Management Skills

Time management skills are a necessity, not only in college but in the workplace too. It is important to know how to balance work and life and what good time management skills are.


Creativity & Innovation

Creativity and innovation are two important qualities of a successful young professional. In fact, this is the way for you to stand out from the crowd. To become more creative, you need to take on new challenges, search for inspiration in different places, and think about things in a different way. When it comes to being more innovative, you need to study your work patterns and make changes where necessary.


Problem Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills are a vital part of life. This can be one of the most effective ways through hands-on experience and teamwork. Overall, every young professional needs this, and this is something that you simply cannot avoid.


Health and Safety

Workplace safety is an important issue in the world of work. It is a moral responsibility for employers to ensure that their employees are safe at work. This responsibility includes providing a safe and healthy environment for their employees and providing the necessary equipment to protect them from hazards. But it goes beyond that. No matter what environment you’re going to work in, accidents could happen. It could be very beneficial to learn about CPR from MyCPR NOW; who knows, you may save a life!


Become an Expert at Presenting Quickly and Effectively

Public speaking is one of the most important skills to master. It can make or break a career. However, not everyone has a natural talent for public speaking. If you are someone who struggles when it comes to presenting, here are some tips that will help you become an expert at giving presentations. Fortunately, college is a great time to learn about this and gain the much-needed skill!


Develop your Soft Skills

The term "soft skills" has traditionally been used in a negative light. It was assumed that these skills were not as important as hard skills like technical knowledge or expertise. However, this could not be further from the truth. All young professionals are going to need this in the workplace (and beyond). 

Soft skills are just as important in today's competitive job market and the global economy because they are what can make you stand out from the rest of the applicants. People with strong, soft skills are highly sought after by employers because they have many benefits:

  • They can easily adapt to changes in their work environment

  • They have higher chances of getting promoted

  • They can excel at their job

  • They have a higher chance of retaining employees

Top Tips to Help You Craft Your First Novel

in

Writing the Great American Novel has long been the ambition of many, and these days there are more avenues than ever before to explore ways of getting creative writing your novel and getting exposure. However, writing a novel is a huge undertaking and involves a lot of time, effort, and planning, and it’s not for everybody. If you are looking for some of the best ideas to help you craft the ultimate novel you’ve come to the right place.

Of course, there is no guarantee that you will finish your novel or be able to do anything with it once it’s finished. But, for a lot of people the process of writing and completing a novel alone is a huge achievement, and this should be the endgame at this stage. Here are some of the key elements to bear in mind when you are preparing and planning to write your first novel.

Source



It starts with a spark

Every novel ever written has started life as the germ of an idea, and this idea has been expanded upon sometimes over many years. The first thing you need when writing your novel is an idea, no matter how basic that idea may be. Now, it is entirely possible that your original idea will change considerably over the writing process, and this is absolutely fine, but you’ve got to have a strong idea to begin with. So, you should start brainstorming within the genre you want to write about, and try to come up with a great novel idea that you can expand upon.



Make time 

One of the factors that the majority of people who wish to write novels or screenplays, or anything creative, struggle with is finding time to be able to do it. This is particularly true if you are writing on spec, and you’re having to structure your novel writing around a full-time job, and possibly even a family as well. However, this should not discourage you, because every day people are doing this kind of thing, it is simply a case of making the time and prioritizing that which is important to you. For example, you might spend 60 minutes per night watching Netflix; instead that time could be dedicated to your novel. You could also spend time at the weekends or during early mornings bashing out a few hundred words when you get the chance. When you force yourself to make time to do something, it becomes easier to make yourself do it the next time, and the next time, and so on.



Getting creative

Another thing you’re going to need to keep on top of when writing your novel is ensuring that you stay creative as much as possible. This can be challenging, especially when trying to juggle issues like writers block or burn out. Fortunately, there are options like a character backstory generator, as well as software for writing novels, such as Scrivner that can help you hugely when trying to remain creative, get down thoughts and ideas, and help flesh out your story. You have to try to write through the block and get all the bad stuff out before the good stuff can flow, and this is one of the key things that plays a role in helping you get creative. 



Be more productive

One of the biggest challenges you face when it comes to writing your first novel is to be as productive as possible. You have to make sure you are working when you can, and dedicate X number of words per week to the project. There are plenty of productivity hacks you can use that will help you to be more focused, and produce more words when you sit down to write. Staying productive and working when you don’t feel like it is one of the key elements when it comes to writing your first novel, and this is going to be an essential step to master. Doing as much as you can to be as productive as you can could be a game changer, and this is a step that can make the difference between finishing the novel and giving up halfway through. 


There are a lot of things that you need to consider when you are trying to help write your first novel, and this is something you have to make the most of. This is something that you need to work on when you are trying to find the time and creativity to help you write the best possible novel you can.

Unusual But Great Skills To Put On Your CV

in

For a long time the idea of putting a CV together has perplexed people. Some get it right straight away, and write something impressive enough to catch a hiring manager’s eye. But many people can miss the mark, and for seemingly no reason at all. And that’s something we can tackle here; sometimes a CV just needs a little extra information to make you stand out from the crowd. 

And adding skills you wouldn’t usually think of as useful can be a great way to do just that. So, whether you want to get a new job yourself or you’re helping your college age child get a part time job to supplement their loan, here are some unusual but impactful skills to put on your CV. 

Pexels Image - CC0 Licence


Your Knowledge of Computer Systems

If you’re good with computers, let the whole world know. We live in a technological world like never before, and knowing your way around a computer system will take you far. It’ll certainly put you before any other candidate who forgets to mention they know how to use Microsoft Word! 

So if you know how to use some software, or you’ve built your own PC in the past, note it down on your CV. You’re clearly an analytical thinker who knows how to get hands-on, and you’re not afraid to experiment and try new things. 

Your Skill at Chess

This is a prime example of complex problem solving skills. When you know how to conquer a chess board, it’s clear you can think outside of the box, even when your opponent is putting all kinds of obstacles in your way. So if you were part of the chess club, or you’ve won a competition in the past, it deserves a mention on your professional CV.Indeed, chess is just a good skill to gain overall. If you’re interested in learning how to play, or brushing up your skills, check out sites like Chessville, invest in a set, and read up on the best strategies. You could soon be taking local tournaments by storm! 


Your Love of the Stage

If you’ve been an actor in the past, or you love spending time on a stage and giving a performance, put it in the hobbies section. Having experience in the acting world means you’re most likely a charismatic and confident person, even if you don’t quite feel like it. 

You can clearly speak to the public without losing your place or tripping over your words! And a lot of employers need that kind of skill on their side; even though they’re the boss, they’re not always the best face for presentations at conferences and events. You could be the person they rely on, and all because you’ve got the presence. 

If you need to pack out your CV a little more, why not throw some skills in? Even if they’re unusual, they can still tell a prospective employer a lot about the kind of candidate you are.

How To Add Visual Elements To Your Marketing Thesis

Today, it’s not enough to have a well-written blog or website. Your marketing materials must also have some visual appeal. After all, as humans, we are wired to process visuals faster than words or numbers. In the world of marketing, visuals are key to creating impact and standing out from the crowd. That’s why visual elements are important in your marketing strategy. 

With the right visuals, you can reach your audience on a deeper level and create an experience that compels them to take action. Fortunately, adding visual elements to your marketing strategy is easier than you might think. Here are 5 ways you can ramp up the visuals in your marketing plan: 

1. Use Infographics

An infographic is a visual representation of information or data. You can use infographics to present data-driven content, like research, statistics, or product benefits. Visual elements like bold graphics, color, icons, and charts help readers quickly understand and retain information. 

In marketing, infographics are often used to promote products, brands, or services. They can also be used to educate prospects, answer common questions, or provide useful information. 

2. Create Video Content

Video marketing allows you to communicate your brand’s message in a visual and engaging way. Videos allow you to connect with your customers on a deeper level and build trust. They also help you drive website traffic and boost your SEO. 

In fact, video can increase your click-through rate by up to 80%. That’s a significant increase, and a good reason why video should be part of your marketing strategy, including the use of a free banner design to make your content more appealing. 

You can use video in a variety of ways, including creating product demonstrations or tutorials, publishing company-wide videos, hosting webinars, and promoting events. 

3. Partner with Influencers

The best way to reach new audiences is to cultivate relationships with influencers in your niche. These are the people who have built substantial followings through their blogs, social media accounts, or YouTube channels. You can find influencers by doing a bit of research. 

Look for the people who are talking about your niche and have a substantial following. Once you’ve identified your targets, reach out to them and offer to collaborate. 

4. Incorporate Slide Shows

Slide shows are an excellent way to showcase products, services, or brands. They’re also a great way to showcase your unique personality and style. If you want to create a memorable brand image, a slide show is the way to go. 

Slide shows can be embedded on your website, or you can use them to create a visual social media post. They’re a great way to break up your content, add visual appeal, and make your brand more memorable. 

In your marketing strategy, you can incorporate slide shows in various ways, including featuring your team, showcasing products, or presenting your mission or values. 

5. Use Photo Collages

Similar to a slide show, a photo collage is a collection of photos that are assembled together. They’re a great way to showcase your company values and mission. They can also be used to show your audience what your products or services look like. 

You can create a photo collage by piecing together your photos on a website, or you can use a photo editing tool to create a collage and then upload it to your website. For example, if you run a fitness brand, you could create a photo collage that shows different workouts that are suitable for all fitness levels. This is a great way to show your audience how your products or services look and appeal to different types of people. 

These are just a few of the ways you can add visual elements to your marketing strategy. By incorporating visuals, you can make your content more engaging, memorable, and effective.