As you navigate your studies (and life in general!), the question of how your daily activities translate into employability often looms.
The truth is, the diverse tapestry of student life is a breeding ground for invaluable work-ready skills that extend far beyond the classroom!
Our friends at 99 Bikes know this all too well. Their teams are almost entirely made up of people who’ve developed their work skills through various activities, hobbies and pastimes.
Keep reading as 99 Bikes shares how your hobbies are equipping you for the world of work!
Why Your Hobbies Matter
Participation in extracurricular activities hones essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership. These attributes are the bedrock of a successful career, influencing how individuals collaborate, innovate, and navigate the professional landscape.
But you probably already knew that.
So, how else are they helping to set you up for work? Let’s take a look:
- Networking Opportunities: Extracurriculars foster connections beyond the academic realm. Networking is not just a buzzword; it’s a cornerstone of career advancement. Engaging in diverse activities introduces you to a wide range of people, creating a network that is crucial.
- Time Management and Prioritisation: Balancing academics and extracurriculars instils effective time management—a skill paramount in the professional arena.
- Real-World Problem Solving: Many extracurriculars, be it debate clubs, sports teams, or community service projects, present real-world challenges. Tackling these issues cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, preparing you to face the complexities of your chosen career.
- The Importance of Practice: Another great skill hobbies teach you is the importance of practice and patience. Remember when you first started doing your favourite hobby – you probably weren’t great! But with commitment and perseverance, you became a pro. The same applies to your career – it’s a great mindset to promote to employers!
Why Your Hobbies Can Lead to Career Opportunities
Your hobbies can often do more than help grow your skills – they can also help you unlock exciting career opportunities!
They’re a great place to start if you’re not sure what you want to do in life. It’s a way to reflect on what you LOVE doingand see where you can connect that to a job.
Let’s take a closer look:
- Passion Breeds Excellence: Passion becomes a driving force when your hobbies align with your career aspirations. Employers value individuals who are proficient and genuinely enthusiastic about their work. Your hobbies can be a testament to this passion.
- Skill Transferability: Skills acquired in hobbies often have unexpected applications in the professional world. A love for graphic design could translate into a valuable eye for detail in project management. Identifying these transferable skills can give you a unique edge in the job market.
- Differentiation Factor: Personal interests and hobbies can be differentiators in a sea of resumes. They add a touch of individuality to your profile, making you memorable to employers looking for well-rounded individuals with diverse perspectives.
- Entrepreneurial Ventures: Many successful businesses have roots in individuals’ hobbies. That knack for crafting, coding, or writing could be the foundation for a thriving entrepreneurial venture. Your hobbies might just be the spark that ignites your own business journey – just like 99 Bikes founder Matt Turner!
Every game, project, and moment spent pursuing personal passions contributes to a rich tapestry of skills that can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career.
Embrace the diverse opportunities student life offers – they’re the stepping stones to becoming tomorrow’s educated individuals and work-ready leaders!
Follow Your Passion at 99 Bikes
99 Bikes is an energetic, all-inclusive employer that thrives on bringing together a passionate team of individuals who love all things bikes.
As Australia’s largest bicycle retailer with over 500 staff and over 50 stores in six states, they’re on a mission to become the largest group of bike shops – and they want you along for the ride!
Find out how you can get started via our exclusive employer profile now.
