Think of someone you admire professionally. It could be a successful entrepreneur, an inspiring leader, or a top-tier content creator. What do you think got them to where they are today? It’s not just what they know, but how they apply their knowledge in real life.
That’s why companies look for more than just a university degree. They want professionals who can solve problems, collaborate in teams, and adapt to change. In other words, individuals with strong professional skills.
So, if you’re wondering how to better prepare for the workforce, this article is for you. Today, we’ll explore what professional skills are, how to develop them, and which ones you need to succeed in an international career.
What Are Professional Skills? Definition and Examples
Professional skills combine abilities, knowledge, and aptitudes that enable you to perform effectively in the workplace. They can be categorized into two main groups:
Hard Skills (or Technical Skills)
These skills are acquired through formal education and specialized training. Such as, for example, mastering a software program, speaking a foreign language, programming in Python or Java, or understanding digital marketing strategies.
Soft Skills (also known as Power Skills)
These abilities can be applied to any job and can make a great difference in the professional world. They include teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and emotional intelligence, among many others.
Let’s look at a real-world example to understand it better:
Imagine you work at a clothing store, and a customer arrives upset because he received a defective product. In this situation, you need to know the return policy (hard skills), but also communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills (soft skills) to handle the issue effectively.
That is why companies seek professionals with a balance of both skill sets. And the sooner you start developing them, the better.
How to Develop and Improve Your Professional Skills
If you think we’re born with professional skills, we have good news: every skill can be learned or improved with practice and dedication. Even better? You can start today.
Here are some strategies to help you develop your professional skills:
- Continuous Learning
Education doesn’t stop after school or university. Today, thousands of online courses (both free and paid) can help you improve your technical and soft skills. Platforms like Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning offer training in leadership, time management, digital marketing, and many other areas.
- Gain Real-World Experience
You don’t need a formal job to start developing your professional skills. Volunteering, working on personal projects, or doing internships will help you strengthen your communication, teamwork, and time management skills.
- Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Growth comes from challenges. Becoming a class representative, organizing an event, or studying abroad can all boost your confidence, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
- Learn from Mistakes (and Feedback)
Failures are one of the best ways to improve, don’t fear them. Seeking teacher, mentor, or peer feedback will help you identify your growth areas and refine your skills.
Now, let’s explore the professional skills needed to succeed internationally.
7 Professional Skills to Succeed in an International Career
Succeeding in an international career requires more than just technical expertise. To thrive in a global setting, you require a set of professional skills that go beyond your academic qualifications. But what are these competencies?
1 – Cross-Cultural Communication
Working in an international setting means interacting with people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and work styles. This requires strong communication skills, respect for cultural nuances, and being able to adjust your approach according to the context to avoid misunderstandings.
2 – Adaptability and Resilience
International careers often involve relocation, changing work environments, and unexpected challenges. The ability to embrace change and overcome obstacles will help you thrive in fast-paced global industries.
3 – Critical Thinking and Problem-solving
In today’s globalized world, where markets and industries are constantly evolving, thinking strategically, analyzing complex situations, and proposing innovative solutions are skills increasingly in demand by employers.
4 – Emotional Intelligence
Interpersonal and intrapersonal skills are a must in any job, but even more so in an international career. Emotional intelligence allows you to understand both your own emotions and those of others, helping you navigate workplace dynamics and resolve conflicts more effectively.
5 – Networking and Relationship Building
Expanding your professional network across countries and industries can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and career growth. Strong networking skills enable you to create meaningful connections that can benefit you in the long run.
6 – Multilingualism
While English is the global business language, knowing additional languages—such as Spanish, Mandarin, or French—can be a major advantage, as it enhances your employability and makes it easier to access job opportunities worldwide.
7 – Leadership and Teamwork
Succeeding in an international career requires leading and collaborating with people from different backgrounds. Being able to adapt your leadership style to different cultures and foster a spirit of cooperation is key to driving innovation and achieving shared goals.
Ready to take your career global?
At CIS University, we prepare students for success in an international environment through a globally focused education, hands-on learning experiences, and a multicultural community.
