The Class of 2023 has both promising and challenging prospects. On the one hand, employers expect to hire 14.7% more college graduates this year than in 2022, as reported in NACE’s Job Outlook 2023. On the other hand, most college curricula do not emphasize the soft skills needed in the workforce, and the pandemic-induced shortage of internships has left new graduates lacking experience in collaborative work environments.

To support new graduates, I gathered insights from professionals across various experience levels on Fishbowl, Glassdoor’s online community platform, who shared what skills and knowledge they wish they had acquired before entering the workforce. Here are the top recommendations:

1. Cultivate skills that can’t be learned from books. Soft skills, such as communication, time management, and teamwork, are essential in the workplace but often underemphasized in college. Developing networking abilities is also crucial for career success, as it helps build relationships with professionals in your field. Even in technical fields like data science or accounting, soft skills play a significant role in career growth and perception.
2. Promote yourself effectively. Learning how to showcase your accomplishments without sounding arrogant is an important skill. Fishbowl participants emphasized the need to ensure that decision-makers are aware of your good work, as simply waiting for promotions to come your way may not be enough.
3. Navigate office politics wisely. Understanding office politics and developing emotional intelligence are necessary for career advancement. Picking up on verbal and non-verbal cues can be crucial in interpersonal dynamics. Remote work adds another layer of complexity, with tone, expressions, and pace becoming even more important in virtual interactions.
4. Enhance your technical knowledge. Basic technical and analytical skills are required in most jobs, with Excel being a highly valued skill among Fishbowl commenters. Developing a strong foundation in data analysis, data science math, and coding can be beneficial, regardless of your educational background.
5. Boost your financial literacy. Financial literacy is essential for managing expenses, saving for retirement, and understanding job benefits. Fishbowl participants wished they had learned more about credit cards, investing, retirement planning, and leveraging benefits before entering the workforce.

It’s never too late to learn or improve these skills, whether you’re just starting your career or an experienced professional. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Khan Academy, and edX offer self-paced courses to help you develop new skills and enhance your career prospects.