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What do you consider a useful skill?
I was just thinking about how I may graduate without an tactile skills. I often think we are losing touch with what exists around us. Obviously in today's world it is impossible to know how everything works or how to do everything, but somethings I still think it is good to know instead of relying so heavily on other people. Maybe I just value independence to highly. How important do you guys think physical skill are to your life? And what skills do you think are important to know or would be if you had to work out of the realm of ideas and abstract products?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Shayna on -
Yes --- specifically the ability to write coherently and professionally (no weird acronyms/abbreviations!), speak in public without stammering/saying "uh" or any variation thereof, type, have a general idea of how to use most computer applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.), research online and using books... Also I think everyone should have a basic idea of how to change a tire, and what the inside of their car looks like so they're not scammed by repair people (same goes for your house... you may never rewire an outlet, but you should know the basic tenets of your home appliances so you don't get taken advantage of)
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Permalink Reply by R...RAWR on -
I agree with communication being an essential skill, but I will disagree on the acronyms/abbreviations clause there, Shayna! :)
I think it seriously depends on what it is you do and on the context you're using them in. For example, I'll type out United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations once, but I'm certainly going to refer to it as UNDPKO after that- and yes, in official documentation!
Which brings me to an important point, Joe: reading contexts and being able to function well in a variety of culturally/politically/religiously fraught situations. This would definitely require an understanding of the deep culture, history and an ability to pick up on the tensions immediately. Being able to read the situation quickly and knowing how to then communicate clearly is a very useful skill to possess; I find.
I also find it interesting that we've all emphasised communication and being able to speak with clarity; but there hasn't been a lot of emphasis on how important it is to listen and ask the right questions. That's another skill that comes in useful and definitely helps with networking, as Jami has mentioned.
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Permalink Reply by jaminicole on -
Networking and communication. You can go anywhere if you can tap into a network, and every industry needs someone in communications. Whether they know it or not. At least that's what I keep telling them.
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Permalink Reply by Lizzie on -
Communication is the key; it's something that I'm still working on but when I've done it right the rewards have been great. In a professional sense, it's about being confident in what you're saying and explaining things properly. In a more personal sense it's about being nice, and saying your pleases and thankyous. All of which need to be used in the workplace.
Secondly, you need to be able to motivate, which comes hand in hand with the above. If people aren't motivated around you it's bad news because morale takes a hit. If people are motivated then productivity is lacking so it's good to rally the troops once in a while. It can be as small as saying, "That work is really good" to a huge motivational speech - each has a positive affect.
Finally, as jaminicole said... networking. I work in entertainment marketing & communications and without a network I'd be lost. But it's taken a while, 2 years in fact, to get a network large enough to be able to do the smallest amount of work. So patience would be a good skill too...
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Permalink Reply by Oats on -
I think being able to draw well would be a very useful skill. It takes communication to a new level, from verbal to a picture on screen or paper that can easily be interpreted by others without relying on verbal or written communication.
Also visualization is an important skill that everyone has to some degree and can better it with practice. Such as visually processing what you read rather than simply interpreting words. Being able to design something in your head before putting on paper, etc.
Manual dexterity can be very important as well. I work in an environment where I cannot afford a slip of the hand or even a mild shake when working on surgeries/dissections and also when making micron size pipette tips. In most science, you have to be able to repeat your actions with precision many times over until you get statistically relevant results. In many cases, manual dexterity is essential.
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Permalink Reply by Kimberly on -
I think the ability to work with many types of people/personalities is a really useful skill. There's always going to be somone you don't really get along with but have to work with.
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Permalink Reply by Holly Renee on -
I think sewing and cooking would both be amazing skills. I can sew but I'm not that good at it. I guess cooking is about the same for me. I know communication is good too, and I'd like to say writing skills too.
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Permalink Reply by floreta on -
I consider anything NOT having to do with technology a useful skill. Cooking, sewing, gardening.. how to start a fire. Back to the basics. I personally would NOT know how to survive if the global economy shut down. I'm living abroad right now in Asia and am simply amazed at the useful skills the locals have, that probably wouldn't have anything to do with my "real life" in the states, but could prove to be awesome survival skills nonetheless.. how to climb trees to get fruit (including palm trees..), how to catch fish with your bare hands... just amazing stuff!!
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Permalink Reply by Shayna on
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The odds of my ever catcing fish with my hands are quite low -- but having some survival skills is probably a good idea for everyone! There are books on how to survive worst case scenarios - like escaping a car underwater, etc. - I always peruse them and wonder if I should be studying for my action-movie-type-emergency ;-)
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Permalink Reply by Danyelle on -
Physical skills? I'd say, driving, cooking, basic car maintenance.....none of which I can do lol
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Permalink Reply by M. on -
I think that every woman should know how a car works. Seriously. You don't know how many of my female friends cannot even put washer fluid into the car. It's not hard. Learn how to check oil levels, and other fluid levels, learn how to change a tire, and learn basic up keep on your vehicle. Look, I'm not saying you need to become a mechanic and fix every problem your car encounters (I even know when to say "I can't possibly fix that transmission problem"), but learn the basics. Stop relying on men to teach you things.
It's also handy to know car parts. It freaks men right out, especially the ones at a car part store.
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Permalink Reply by Ethony on -
Physical skills - How to change a tire, how to build and light a fire, put up a tent and how to basically survive if you need to over 24 hours outdoors.
It is amazing how many people do not know how to do basic things for themselves. I value independence highly as well so I like to know how to do things around the house and in life to get by. I do not like having to rely on anyone for assistance, I would rather learn a new skill and take the time to learn it then get someone else to do it. Unless of course it is a bigger job than I am qualified for.
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