Introduction to professional skills

By Bolanle Adelowore

Course description

This course is an introductory course aimed at facilitating a better understanding of employability skills by applicants and on the long run assist them in applying the knowledge gained to real life situations.

All Employers seek to employ people with a combination of skills known as employability skills. Employability skills are transferable skills needed by an individual to make them 'employable'. These skills are mostly soft skills.

For the purpose of this course, employability skills will be classified as practical knowledge, effective relationship and workplace skills.

Learning objectives

At the end of the session participants will be able to:

• define employability skills;

• identify the skills necessary for employment;

• classify work place skills.

Practical knowledge Introduction to problem solving skills

Problem solving is the process of going over the facts of a problem with the aim of arriving at a solution. Problem solving involves accurate or logical processes to measure an individual's critical thinking skills.

There are several phases involved in the process of problem solving. They include;

Identifying the problem

Coming up with several options on how to solve the problem

Assessing and deciding on the best option

Resolving the issue

Practical knowledge Introduction to planning and organization Skills

Planning and organisation is the capability to manage individuals (oneself / others), with the resources available to reach a specific goal. In involves prioritizing your tasks and managing your time to achieve your goals.

Planning and organisation involves;

creating outcomes and milestones pointers

recognizing critical tasks

using a planner to monitor task progress

creating agendas with detailed indicators and deadlines

organizing tasks in a consistent order

classifying essential resources and establish structures

Effective relationships Team work

A team can be described as a group of people working together towards accomplishing a common goal.

They achieve team success

Individual roles are clearly defined

Effective communication

Visible team growth

Members have a good relationships within and outside the team

Features of effective teams

Work place skills Business communication basicsBusiness Communication is defined as the trading of thoughts through common signs; such as language, words, and phrases in the professional world.

Effective communication involves understanding the feeling and purpose behind the information. In other words, the sender has to convey a message so that it is received by the receiver and understood by someone in exactly the way you proposed.

Business Communication

Non Verbal communication

Verbal communication

Work place skills Initiative and self-motivation

Initiative is exhibited by identifying and taking advantage of prospects and persisting in the face of setbacks. Being preemptive rather than reactive. Self-motivation involves channeling your inner energy to accomplish, improve and advance especially when you are discouraged.

Individuals can develop their initiative and exhibit self motivation by;

Finding stability, knowing when to take initiative

Being open to new concepts and opportunities

Acquiring new skills and frequently attend training

Working harder and later than their colleagues

Naturally becoming team leaders

Work place skills Time -management basics

Time management involves effectively utilizing your 24hours and not trying to manipulate time.

Things to consider when developing a time management plan

Set SMART Goals-(you need adequate time to achieve)

Discover your values

Decide the most effective time management plan for you

Identify your obstacles: Be Honest with yourself e.g. distraction such as television.

Bolanle is a psychology graduate with over three years experience working in human resources. Holding down various positions such as, HRIS administrator, Recruitment specialist, Payroll/ Benefits specialists and Service specialist.

In 2016, she became an accredited Management Facilitator by the Nigerian Council for Management Development .

She currently heads the learning and development unit as a partner in Everything HR limited.