We all agree that college is an important part of preparing for life in the real world. But I’m sure most of you know, or will soon learn, that college doesn’t teach us everything we need to know to be successful out there in the wild. There are a few things that you are going to have to learn outside of college. I know, I know, it’s unfair that even outside of college we have to use our brains, but stick with me and I’ll teach you a few of these things the easy way: using the internet!
How to Speed Read
An absolutely necessary skill that once learned can be used for the rest of your life. I learned using this book
How to Jump Start a Car
This will quickly prove to be a valuable skill. You’ll know what to do should you ever be stranded, and you’ll be able to stop and help when others need it. And it just feels good to be able to stop and help others. Purchase a good set of jumper cables at your local auto store and check this out from Art of Manliness to learn how it’s done.
How a Credit Card Works
Not knowing how this one works could be devastating to your financial future. Do yourself a favor and learn the basics at this wiki page or here.
How to Network Like a Pro
Whether you’ve figured it out yet or not, networking is the way of the world. You’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Start networking today, and learn how here at DumbLittleMan.com.
How to Market Yourself
In this economy, anything that boosts your rep is going to be helpful. You need to know how to market yourself appropriately online and off. Have no idea where to start? Don’t worry, WebWorkerDaily has you covered. Learn the basics of self marketing here.
How to Write a Killer Resume
I’m not talking about the one they taught you to write in your technical writing class. I’m talking about one that will actually land you a job. Here are two killer resources for getting this done. Go HERE (Mahalo) and HERE (50 Ultimate Resources for Writing a Killer Resume)!
How to Perform Masterfully in an Interview
There is no use in having a fantastic resume if you can’t close the deal, right? Here are 50 Common Interview Questions and Answers to help you along the way. Then Check out Making Good First Impressions; Making Yourself Stick will help you with the interpersonal skills that will aid in your success.
How to Perform CPR (and the Heimlich Maneuver)
Hopefully you’ll never have to use these skills, but in case the need arises you need to know the basics. Learn CPR here (video), and the Heimlich Maneuver here (video).
Public Speaking Skills
It’s a shame that you can get through your entire degree plan without ever really learning how to public speak. Professionally, this is just pathetic. Not to worry, though, because ZCL has you covered. Well actually Lifehack.org has you covered. Check out their great tips on 7 Tips to Public Speaking with No Fear and 13 Tips to Zap Your Butterflies When Speaking in Public.
How to Learn a Language
While some of us may learn a new language in college, most of us still aren’t required to. And what’s worse, none of us learn how to learn a language. You may or may not be surprised to learn that it’s not as easy as reading a book cover to cover then speaking it fluently. Check out Tim Ferris’s blog post How to Learn any Language in 3 Months.
How to Parallel Park
I thought this was one of those things you had to know to get a driver’s license, but apparently some people still haven’t learned this skill. While nothing beats getting out there and practicing (between cones, not cars), you’ll probably want to get the basics first, here (video).
How to Lose Weight and Build Muscle
I’m quite surprised to find that so many students, students who know that fad diets are unhealthy, still follow them. Come on guys, we are smart enough not to get sucked in by these ridiculous fads. But just as a refresher, Leo at Zen Habits wrote a great article on How to Go From Fat to Fit. Then head over to the Ririan Project and learn How To Build Muscle Fast.
And finally Marc And Angel have put together a great resource of 50 Things Everyone Should Know How To Do. You’ll definitely want to check it out!
What other skills are important to learn, that won’t be taught at your local university? Leave a comment and let us know what skills you think are important, or even better, leave a link to show us how to learn it!
