Last fall, NSHSS was invited to present at the Council for Industry and Higher Education Conference in London by Richard Brown, Chief Executive of the CIHE, in order to raise awareness about NSHSS in the United Kingdom. On April 11 this year, Mr. Brown appeared on U.S. television on the Fox Business Network news to talk about the current job market and qualities that employers around the world are seeking. He isolated four critical skills that they look for in applicants. These valuable tips can help you, whether you are just now planning for college, or planning for life after college. You can check out his comments in the following video: http://www.foxbusiness.com/video/index.html (select “more business videos” and search for “the UK job market”).
When asked what sets applicants apart, Brown advised that employers are looking for:
- Analytical ability – Demonstrate that you can identify and solve problems
- Team working skills – #1 and #2 are actually “twin skills.” Be able to show how you have worked within a group to solve problems.
- Communication skills – It is imperative that you are able to deal with clients, partners, customers, and colleagues effectively.
- Integrity – Employers want to be able to trust employees, to know that they will be able to develop relationships without and within the organization.
In an interview, explain how you have developed these skills. Emphasize what you have learned from activities outside the classroom, in part time jobs or campus activities. In almost any part time job, even if totally unrelated to your career goals, you will develop valuable skills in dealing with people, unexpected circumstances, relationship building, and time management.
And remember, internships can be invaluable for learning and developing these skills.
Rebecca O'Brien of Griffith College, Dublin, speaks to NSHSS members at The Carter Center Event
Since its founding in 2002, The National Society of High School Scholars has been working with top universities around the world to connect our members with resources related to the college admissions process. This year, Mr. Nobel and NSHSS have launched a program to establish collaborative relationships with top colleges and universities across the globe to encourage our members to spend some formative time in their academic career studying abroad. Our collaborating universities rank among the top institutions of higher learning and are excited to hear from our students and families, and look forward to welcoming you to their campuses.
For university officials interested in exploring opportunities with NSHSS, please contact International Director Elisa Chami-Castaldi.
International Institutions
- Dublin City University
- Griffith College Dublin
- Hanyang University
- Konkuk University
- Linkopings Universitet
- Macquarie University
- Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
- Sogn og Fjordane University College
- Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
- The University of Dundee
- The University of Glasgow
- University of Otago
- University of Tasmania
- Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand