What skills and abilities do employers want?

The following list provides examples of the kinds of skills and abilities employers may seek in an intern, along with their definitions. It is important to provide evidence of these skills and abilities from work experience, academic work, social activities, or any other interests you pursue if you possess that skill and if it is relevant to the position you are applying for.

Analytical Ability: The ability to assess a situation or issue and identify key elements that need to be addressed to move forward. You may have used this skill in your academic or personal life to solve complex problems.

Commercial Awareness: Being aware of the issues affecting the industry to which you are applying. You will continue to develop this skill as you begin to apply for internships and interview with professionals in the field.

Computer Literacy: All employers will expect a basic level of familiarity with a range of computer programs used for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email/internet usage. Take as many computer classes as you can!

Decision-making: Considering all solutions to a potential problem, identifying the pros and cons of each, making a balanced judgment, and choosing the best option.

Influencing: Working to gain consensus. Persuading others to agree with your opinion without “bullying”. .

Initiative: Taking charge. Being pro-active. Not waiting for someone else to take the lead or solve the problem.

Leadership: Encouraging others to move towards a specific goal. The ability to inspire and motivate.

Negotiating: Discussing a situation or issue and coming to a mutually satisfactory conclusion which may involve some sort of compromise on one or both sides.

Networking: Developing contacts, establishing relationships, maintaining correspondence and communication. You will need to be able to develop and maintain this sort of network in your professional life for advice and information. Effective networking depends on good oral communication and written communication skills.

Oral Communication: Communicating with others through speech in a clear manner. The ability to explain things simply and effectively.

Planning: The ability to organize resources, time, and events that will enable you to meet your goals.

Presentation: The ability to choose an appropriate, effective and positive method to deliver information or facts.

Problem-solving: The ability to find an appropriate solution to a problem using whatever information, experience, and resources are available. Requires a logical approach and analytical ability.

Self-awareness: Being able to clearly identify your skills, values, interests, and core strengths – what makes you different and unique. The ability to welcome and act constructively upon feedback. This may take some time to develop.

Self-confidence: Feeling good about your position and views in a variety of situations – some of which may feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable to you. Develops over time as you successfully navigate through school and work.

Self-management: Requires self-awareness, but is more about setting your own targets and working out a plan to successfully achieve them.

Teamwork: The ability to work with others in an organized manner to achieve a mutual goal. Very important in the workplace.

Tenacity: Not giving up when the going gets tough! Sorting out the problems that occur and getting the job done. A sense of determination against the odds.

Time-management: Juggling the many aspects of working, school, and extracurricular activities and hobbies. Employers like to see well-rounded individuals who have busy lives, but are in control and manage their responsibilities well.

Willingness to learn: This includes the ability to deal with change and to learn from the experience. Being able to cope with new challenges in an adaptable manner and being willing to take calculated risks.

Written Communication: The ability to produce well expressed and easily understood text.