5 Skills for Success

Skill

Description and Resources

• Creativity & Innovation

• We use this skill to develop, design, and think of new ways of accomplishing tasks.
• This is an important skill in our ever-changing environments both while studying and in the workplace.
• Other skills related to creativity and innovation include: critical thinking, reflection, evaluation, initiative, and continuous learning.
• Visit these training tools to improve your creativity and innovation skills.

• Problem Solving

• We use this skill when we identify, explore, make recommendations, and make decisions.
• This is an important skill to help when gathering information, doing research, and finding solutions to problems.
• Problem solving is important when studying at NSCC and in the workplace.
• Other skills related to problem solving include: critical thinking, research, analysis, decision-making, and adaptability.
• Visit these training tools to improve your problem-solving skills.

• Reading

• We use this skill to understand and find information as well as to learn about new topics and information.
• We read symbols, text, images, graphs, emails, reports, etc.
• This is an important skill when studying at NSCC and in the workplace. Other skills related to reading include: critical thinking, language development, vocabulary development, and analysis.
• Visit these training tools to improve your reading skills.
•  You can also visit the NSCC Learning Supports page for more information on reading skill development and English as an Additional Language (EAL) supports and explore the Learn from Lectures and Textbooks chapters in this book.

• Digital

• We use this skill when we’re using computer programs (e.g., Word, Excel, Sage50), Brightspace, social media, etc.
• This is an important skill at NSCC when engaging in your courses, writing essays, creating PowerPoint presentations, and when using program-specific software.
• It’s also important in the workplace for emails, software used for specific professions, and working with clients/customers.
• Visit these training tools to improve your digital skills.
• You can also visit the Online Tools at NSCC Subject Guide for help navigating online tools at NSCC.

• Collaboration

• We use this skill to work with others, be effective team members, and to maintain positive relationships at school and at work.
• Other skills related to collaboration include: building relationships, problem-solving, communication, and managing interactions.
• Visit these training tools to improve your collaboration skills.
• Visit the Study Skills: Study Groups and Group Work Subject Guide to learn about the benefits of study groups and how to create one.

• Adaptability

• We use this skill to adjust our goals, plans and the way we approach challenges and deadlines.
• This is an important skill when studying at NSCC and when employed.
• Other skills related to adaptability include: persistence, planning, organization, and re-evaluation.
• Visit these training tools to improve your adaptability skills.

• Writing

• We use this skill to communicate information in many settings.
• We use writing skills for emails, texts, reports, recipes, warranty reports, logbooks, estimates, to request information, and to negotiate.
• We also write using many different digital platforms (e.g., Brightspace, email programs, smart phones, social media, etc.).
• This is an essential skill to use at NSCC and when in the workplace.
• Other skills related to writing include: language development, vocabulary development, reading, organization, and critical thinking.
• Visit these training tools to improve your writing skills.
• You can also visit the Writing Centre or English as an Additional Language (EAL) supports to book an appointment to help develop your writing skills and explore the Get Assignments and Research Done chapters in this book.  

• Numeracy

• We use this skill to find, use, and report mathematical information.
• This can be in the form of symbols, numbers, graphs, and equations.
• We use this skill to budget, report on usage data, create and manage personal and professional budgets, measure, and make estimates.
• This is an important skill as you manage your finances while at NSCC, in specific NSCC programs, and for the workplace.
• Other skills related to numeracy include: critical thinking, mathematical calculations, understanding digital information, and statistics.
• Visit these training tools to improve your numeracy skills.
• If you need help with math tutoring, explore supports available through the Peer Assisted Learning Supports (PALS) program or TutorMe.  Check out the Math Subject Guide for resources and visit the NSCC Financial Literacy Connect Page for additional information.

• Communication

• We use this skill to give and receive information when we speak, listen, and interact with others.
• It’s essential for group and team environments, understanding perspectives, and sharing information effectively.
• Other skills related to communication include: writing, reading, listening, speaking, negotiation, self-reflection, and problem-solving.
• Visit these training tools to improve your communication skills.
• You can also visit the NSCC Learning Supports for more information on accessing Writing and English as an Additional Language (EAL) resources and supports.