What transferable skills can graduates learn by working remotely?

Landing your first job after graduation can feel like a daunting task. Where do you even start? Adding to the existing pressures is the reality of remote work,  The coronavirus pandemic forced many people to work remotely, and this trend is likely to continue even years after the crisis has passed. While working from home has its challenges, it can also be a great opportunity for graduates to learn new skills that will be valuable in any career. These include:

Excellent working communication skills

You need to be able to communicate effectively with your team, whether you’re using email, instant messaging, or video conferencing. With so much of our communication happening online, it’s essential to know how to write clearly and concisely, as well as how to manage video calls and other virtual meetings. In a world that is increasingly connected, these skills will be invaluable regardless of what industry you end up in.

Strong time management and organisational skills

One of the most important skills that can be learned remotely is time management. When you don’t have a commute or set office hours, it can be easy to let work encroach on your personal time. It’s not only up to you to stay on top of your work and meet deadlines but to ensure you have a good work-life balance too. Learning to set and stick to a schedule is essential for anyone who wants to be successful in the working world.

Self-discipline and focus

When you’re not surrounded by colleagues, it’s easier to get side-tracked. Remote work requires a high degree of self-motivation. Without the structure of an office environment, it can be easy to get distracted or procrastinate. However, those who are able to motivate themselves and stay focused on their work will find that they’re able to achieve a great deal of success in a remote job.

Technological knowledge

One of the most often overlooked advantages of remote working is the opportunity to learn new technologies. When you work from home, you have the freedom to try out different tools and software without having to worry about disrupting your workplace. And if you’re a quick learner, you can quickly gain a wealth of knowledge that you can use to improve your workflows or even start your own business.