by Kemisola Adetola

…there is a constant need for knowledge acquired through self education, reading wide, surfing the net where there are millions of materials…

The quality of the forms of education is constantly been underrated. Yes, I mean underrated. Education has often been limited to only formal settings, leaving aside the informal form of acquiring knowledge which is equally important. The difference between two graduates where one is still struggling to gain his grounds and the other who is already way ahead, are those little things we ignore that are not learnt within the four walls of the lecture room. It is all about Self Acquired Knowledge.

Let’s get to the basics, here are 8 fundamental things you don’t have in your lecture note but would set you apart if you practice them:

1. To Think And Act Smart

The ability to think on ones feet has become a rare quality these days. It entails the act of improvising in the face of a challenge, the ability to find solutions to problems without been directed and the ability to be innovative and generate new ideas. Majority of the job required involves the use of your thought process. Your Engineering lecturer probably didn’t tell you that.

2. Practical Application Of The Theoretical Lessons.

A lot of students do not easily assimilate when they read because they often find it difficult to connect in real life what they read in theory. That is why few days after exams, they forget virtually all about what they have been taught.

 3. How To Prepare For The Future Of Work.

The future of work belongs to those that take responsibility for their future. Until you do, years in college won’t teach you how to become employable and go after what you want.

4. The Importance Of Personal Branding.

This is the ability to present oneself in a positive and presentable manner, in a way that others would always want to affiliate and listen to you when you speak. It is simply how you present yourself to and perceived by others.

5. The Importance Of Values.

Values are ideologies and principles that guides every of our action. Every organization has values that guides their actions and so should you. It would help you function better in any area you choose as long as it is in line with your personal values.

6. Work And Social Etiquette.

It is as though no one teaches etiquettes any more these days. The act of being courteous and maintaining good manners in both formal and informal settings cannot be over emphasized (I would be treating this in the next post).

 7. Financial And Emotional Intelligence.

These forms of intelligence does more for you than you can ever imagine and amazingly they can be acquired through learning and self acquired knowledge.

8. Importance Of Soft Skills.

You have spent 4, 5 or more years to obtain your college Degree. That is Hard Skill. Soft skills are skills such as problem solving, decision making, paying attention to details, creativity, communication skills, negotiation, and the ability to persuade. These are skills that set you apart and are less likely to be taught in class unless of cause as a major course.

 

In closing, I would like to stress that there is a constant need for knowledge acquired through self education, reading wide, surfing the net where there are millions of materials, going for trainings, attending seminars and conference would develop you and improve your crystallised knowledge.

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– Kemisola Adetola is the author of the Short story titled ‘Miriam’s Crush’ featured on YNaija (30 Days 30 Voices) and other blog sites. She is also passionate about writing articles that would help foster youths employability advantage, relationship and developing self.

 

 

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.