How has your post-secondary education prepared you for this job?
While attending post-secondary studies, you likely learned some core skills that would be transferable to any position. Think about what you learned at your highest levels of education and how that knowledge applies (or will apply) to your work. Some of these skills could include:
- Time Management
- Creative Thinking
- Proposal Writing
- Public Speaking
- Presentation Building
- Independent Learning
- Academic Research
- Self-Motivation
Be sure to comb the job description for keywords so that you can match your post-secondary experiences with the skills for which they are seeking!
"My post-secondary education provided me with the information and structure needed to perform in the administrative world. Interning helped get my feet wet with my career as an administrative assistant."
"I learned in college while taking an overload of credit hours and working full time that I respond well to pressure. This resistance to stress is something that I've brought into my professional life as well. I prefer a heavier workload, within reason, and feel the most accomplished and thrive in these sorts of situations. Of course, I have also learned my limits and know when I need to ask for help or a break."
"I believe my combination of studies in both a community college, where I earned my associates in fashion merchandising, as well as my time spent getting my B.A. in communications, have uniquely positioned me to succeed in this industry as a whole, and your organization specifically. I learned the nuts and bolts of how things should work in college both from a fashion standpoint as well as best practices in communications. Daily, I apply my academic training in fashion, merchandising, department floor planning, how to run sales, as well as public speaking and presentation making. I will continue to refine these skills daily as I join your team."
"My degree is in Economics and International Studies, which taught me not only the theoretics behind a business but also interpersonal relations across cultures and nations. I also learned a lot about presentation building, public speaking, and working in a collaborative environment. All of these skills have been an asset to my career to date."
"I am a big believer in post-secondary education. It adds a lot of value to those newer to the workplace. My post-secondary education was in Communications and Journalism. The courses in this program helped me to develop stronger business relationships through professional correspondence. I also learned persuasive writing skills which have proven to be incredibly helpful when working on client proposals, and in negotiations."
"Academically speaking, I learned to perfect my writing and speaking skills through English literature courses, and a B.A. in Education. Giving large-scale presentations was also a large part of my education experience. This skill has proven very transferable and allowed me to effectively communicate both in written and oral contexts, which has been of great value to my students and me."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Taught me to multi-task, provided me the key skills I needed to create a fully functional and practicing HR office right after school for an organization of 1600 employees with a 70% turnover. Taught me to be disciplined with my time and to prioritize. Presentation and public speaking abilities.
Kevin's Feedback
Wow, a 70% turnover would have been an incredible challenge, especially right out of school. This is indeed a stand-out factor in your work history. I’ve elabored on your answers slightly to drive them home.
That crucial period laid the foundation for my multi-tasking skills and provided me the insights needed to create a fully functional and practicing HR office right out of school for an organization of 1600 employees with a 70% turnover. I learned my sense of self-discipline as well as my time management skills. Presentation and public speaking abilities were also developed during this time. It basically set me up for success in so many ways, allowing me to put my newly acquired, more practical skills to work.
Anonymous Answer
My master's degree in Public Administration with a concentration in public management has provided me with the necessary skills needed in this job description. When I took courses such as Nonprofit administration and public management, and that is time management, public speaking, independent and research learning, effective communication skills and to be self-motivated.
Rachelle's Feedback
This answer gives the interviewer a nice idea of how your educational background will benefit their company, should you be hired. I have offered a slight edit below, to help with clarity.
"My master's degree in Public Administration, with a concentration in public management, had provided me with many skills required to perform this job successfully. I took coursework in nonprofit administration and public management, giving me a strong knowledge of these topics. I also gained skills in time management, public speaking, independent and research learning, effective communication, and the ability to remain self-motivated."
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