Looking to build your personal or professional skills? In this blog, we identify five of the skills employers are looking for in 2023 (and how LSE Careers can help you develop them!)
Through our collaborations, we know employers are keen to see some specific skills from LSE graduates. These include:
- Practical problem solving
- Collaboration
- Cultural intelligence
- Innovation
- Data for social scientists
Depending on the degree programme you’re on, you’ll likely already have some understanding of at least one of the skills above – but how can you strengthen them, learn to apply them at work, or even just start developing them to begin with?
Enter: the LSE Careers Skills Accelerator programme.
Designed in collaboration with Practera to support you to develop and apply your knowledge in a professional setting, the LSE Careers Skills Accelerator is a programme of five virtual modules, with each module focusing on one of the key skills above.
But these aren’t just any online modules – they’re engaging, practical and based on real-world simulations and industry scenarios. Essentially, they’re designed to get you ready for the workplace.
And that’s just part one! Optional part two is the chance to then secure a place on a two-week team project for a partner employer. These voluntary ‘nano projects’ will run in March, June, July and August 2023, and we have various NGOs, SMEs, startups and agencies eager for LSE students to provide them with valuable insights on topics such as public policy, sustainable development, business growth and innovation. The projects are virtual and part-time, requiring you to volunteer 25 hours of your time over the two weeks.
Who can apply?
- First year undergraduates.
- Master’s students.
- Applications from students with less than 12 weeks of work experience will be prioritised.
How to get involved: Read more and apply for the programme on CareerHub.
Not eligible for the Skills Accelerator but interested in learning more?
The LSE Careers Skills Accelerator is just one of several programmes and funded internships run by LSE Careers in partnership with a range of employers – these programmes are sometimes referred to under the umbrella of ‘work-based learning’.
The aim of any work-based learning experience is to give students authentic, structured opportunities to learn and apply your knowledge in a workplace setting. Through this, you will also develop skills employers are looking for ahead of transitioning into the workplace, including critical thinking and problem solving, teamwork and collaboration, oral and written communications skills, and leadership. You can also use work-based learning experiences as an opportunity to enhance the skills that you are already developing through your programme of study.
Explore more about work-based learning opportunities on the LSE Careers website.
Want to explore more ways to build your skills and strengths?
From careers events to alumni mentoring schemes, the ‘Enhance your career prospects’ section of LSE’s ‘My skills and opportunities’ page showcases lots of opportunities to help you prepare to transition into work or further study.
If you’re interested in understanding your current skillset better, you can also explore lots of skills and strengths related tools on the LSE Careers website.
