![\"Image](\"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Andrew.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSkills development<\/a> is built into every OU students\u2019 journey, in module activities, managing your study time and in our regular live skills workshops<\/a>. Andrew developed his incredible chocolate business alongside studying at the OU. Here he shares some insights into the skills he developed and what he looks for in potential candidates.<\/p>\n Employability skills are important for all students to learn. They\u2019ll help you make connections between your study, personal development and other activities to showcase your capability in your chosen career. Here Andrew talks about developing valuable skills:<\/p>\n \n\u201cAnyone who can demonstrate independence, autonomy and good time management has an advantage\u2026I undoubtedly developed those skills throughout my studies.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Looking to audit your employability skills? Your Career Planning Guide<\/a> has an activity that can help you evaluate your strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement.<\/p>\n Confidence is a skill like any other \u2013 something that needs dedicated time and effort to grow. Building your confidence<\/a> will help you recognise and nurture your other skills as you learn from every challenge that you overcome. Andrew talks about his confidence as a skill that grew over his years of study:<\/p>\n \n\u201cI could feel myself becoming stronger, more confident and more capable with every year of study. I didn\u2019t have to wait to use those skills \u2013 I could apply them immediately.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Communication and collaboration skills are the building blocks of every relationship \u2013 including the ones you\u2019ll have in your career. Andrew remembers a stand-out module, which still helps him navigate his personal and professional interactions:<\/p>\n \n\u201cIt [the module] unlocked the wonder and power that words can wield\u2026It had a profound impact on me and influences the way I communicate to this day.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Communication and collaboration skills are key to building professional contacts that can give you new insights and may lead to new opportunities. Check out our networking<\/a> pages for everything from conversation starters to contacting employers.<\/p>\n Just as you adapt the way you communicate in different situations; it is important to tailor job applications to each role you apply for. We have a host of resources on CVs, applications and interviews<\/a> to help you communicate your unique value effectively.<\/p>\n Read more about Andrew\u2019s inspiring OU and professional journey<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n1. Initiative and the drive to keep learning<\/h4>\n
\n2. Nurturing your confidence to boost your other skills<\/h4>\n
\n3. Communication and collaboration harness the power of words<\/h4>\n