Gaining your National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is important – but it’s only one step toward a successful future!
There are many ways to find success and explore what a meaningful career looks like for you.
ANZCO Foods knows there’s often a lot of pressure around academic achievement during your school years, and they’re here to tell you not to be so hard on yourself.
Keep reading to uncover ten other vital aspects of YOU and your future you can focus on for success:
1. Curiosity and Eagerness to Learn
Cultivate a passion for learning beyond the curriculum – focus on the topics you’re genuinely passionate about and find new ways to expand your knowledge.
Engage in self-directed research by reading books, watching movies or documentaries, attending community talks or guest lectures – whatever gets you curious!
2. Critical Thinking Skills
Participate in debates, discussions, or clubs that encourage critical thinking. If there are issues or movements in your local community, attend talks and stay open-minded – explore both sides of the argument to challenge your thinking.
Solve real-world problems to enhance practical decision-making skills by taking on work experience opportunities and volunteering.
3. Effective Communication
Practice public speaking with volunteering opportunities, after-school clubs, or reading groups at your local library.
Write blogs and articles or use social media to improve written communication. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but cultivating a writing practice can help boost your skills in this area.
4. Team Collaboration
Join team sports or group projects to develop teamwork and interpersonal skills. Offer to help out at local school or community events – even if it’s just for a few hours a month.
By getting out of your comfort zone – and usual social circles – you expose yourself to a broader range of individuals and grow your skills in getting along with different people in different environments.
5. Adaptability and Resilience
Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and bounce back stronger.
In a rapidly evolving world, a growth mindset is a game-changer. Employers seek individuals who are willing to adapt and are eager to embrace ongoing learning.
6. Creativity and Innovation
There are many ways to grow your creative skills – from artistic hobbies to planning events to problem-solving challenges, as each experience contributes to cultivating and expressing your creative abilities.
Create a digital portfolio, participate in school exhibitions, or share innovative ideas within the classroom, providing tangible evidence of your unique talents and perspectives.
7. Leadership Potential
Cultivating leadership skills fosters an ability to guide and inspire others and instils a sense of responsibility, resilience, and the capacity to navigate challenges.
Mentor peers or younger students to develop leadership skills, take on leader roles in school or your local community, or show initiative by acting to create a positive change when you see it’s needed.
8. Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is crucial as it enhances your ability to understand and manage emotions and fosters empathetic connections with peers. It lays the foundation for effective communication, positive relationships, and vital personal and professional success skills.
Practice empathy and active listening in personal interactions and develop self-awareness through mindfulness or reflective practices.
9. Digital Literacy
Digital literacy is your ability to adapt and learn new technical and digital skills – it’s vital for the workplace and easy to boost through activities you love doing anyway!
You can acquire skills in digital tools and technologies relevant to the future workplace by exploring coding, graphic design, or other tech-related hobbies!
10. Real-world Experiences
And as ever – gaining hands-on experience in what you’re interested in pursuing a career will help you stand out to employees and feel more confident about your place and capabilities in the sector!
Seek internships, apprenticeships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities. Attend workshops, conferences, or events to gain practical insights beyond classroom learning.
Remember, a holistic approach to personal development encompasses more than academic achievements and contributes to a well-rounded, capable individual – you got this!
Find Out More
ANZCO Foods is one of New Zealand’s largest exporters, with nearly 3,000 employees globally.
Established in 1984, ANZCO Foods is a multinational company undertaking various activities, including farming, processing, manufacturing and marketing New Zealand beef and lamb products.
Find your next steps and dedicated pathway via their employer profile.
