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5 Skills for Success
Skills for Success, or essential skills, are skills needed to participate and thrive in learning, work, and life.
There are 9 skills for success. No matter the profession, these skills are required to be effective and successful in today’s workplace. They “overlap and interact with each other, and with other technical and life skills. They are inclusive and can be adapted to different contexts.”[1]
Skills for Success. Image Credit: Employment and Social Development Canada[1]
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.
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.
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.
When you’re studying and learning at NSCC, talk to your Student and Faculty Advisors to learn more about the skills for success that are needed for your profession. You can also visit the Government of Canada Job Bank to explore careers by essential skills.
Thinking about Your Skills for Success
We all have skills we feel most comfortable with. As we learn, we continue to develop and expand our skills and abilities. It’s common to need extra help in some skill areas more than others. For example, you may enjoy reading, but find writing challenging.
NSCC has a wide variety of Learning Supports available to help you with your academic studies and skill development.
Also, working with fellow students in your program can help you share information, learn together, and build your strengths. Visit the the Study Skills: Study Groups and Group Work Subject Guide for tips and strategies for starting and running a study group or join a PALS study group in your area of study.
Try it!
What are your strongest Skills for Success?
Which Skills for Success would you like to learn more about?
Which Skills for Success do you think will be the most important for your program?
How will you use the Skills for Success in your classes?
What supports are available to help you develop specific skills?
This chapter is adapted under fair dealing from: Employment and Social Development Canada. (2023, June 2). Learn about the Skills. In Jobs and the workplace. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training/initiatives/skills-success/understanding-individuals.html
Employment and Social Development Canada. (2023, June 2). Learn about the Skills. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training/initiatives/skills-success/understanding-individuals.html ↵
Employment and Social Development Canada. (2023, June 2). Learn about the Skills. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training/initiatives/skills-success/understanding-individuals.html ↵