Five Essential Soft Skills for Your Career

May 11 2020

In my last post, I have written something for the people who would rather rest, be lazy and watch movies or series. It was a recommendation of Five Psychological Thrillers to watch during COVID-19 quarantine or any other day. This time, I am writing this for those who have decided to do the opposite, and be productive. A way to be productive is to work on ourselves, develop new habits, and learn new things. Some things that are often overlooked and deemed as too irrelevant to even mention in CVs are skills related to who we are, those we have developed ourselves without undergoing technical training. These skills are called “Soft Skills”, and in this blog post I will talk about five soft skills that are essential for everyone’s career and should be highlighted in your CVs.

What Exactly Are Soft Skills?

Soft Skills are skills that are related to our persona. They can be personal traits, habits, and in general the way we act and behave. Soft Skills are opposed to Hard Skills, and the latter are skills like learning a new language and how to use a certain software. Unlike Hard Skills, we can develop soft skills on our own, and we do not necessarily need technical training. However, that does not mean we cannot get help or advice to develop the skills we lack! Let us then start with the Five Soft Skills that are essential in anyone’s career. Please keep in mind that these are not the only ones that exist; there are many more.

1- Interpersonal Skills:

Interpersonal Skills, as the name may indicate, are related to people. To be specific, they are the skills we need to communicate with other people, how to be an attentive listener, and how to behave with people, and your attitude towards them. They are essential to interact effectively in a workplace and in the larger world. These are pretty much personal and somehow innate as extroverted people will not find difficulties with developing these skills unlike introverted people.

2- Flexibility and Adaptability:

As we all know, not everyone in life follows the same pattern of events. Sometimes, something unusual can happen which may cause anxiety, confusion and stress. That is what the skills of flexibility and adaptability are required for. They are skills that we need to confront new challenges, new tasks, adapt to sudden situations and overcome certain difficulties without damage. Thus, the main thing to keep in mind in order to strengthen your flexibility and adaptability is that you always have to be ready to take new challenges and undertake new tasks that may be unusual to you.

3- Teamwork:

You have most definitely heard of this one before. Its meaning is just as simple as its name indicates. Teamwork is the ability to collaborate effectively with a group of people (your colleagues) to achieve a common goal related to your workplace like meetings, projects, conferences etc. If you think about it, the reason we get asked to work with our classmates on school projects is to stimulate us in developing a teamwork skill.

4- Stress and Time Management:

Most of the time, recruiters put “the ability to work under pressure” and “sense of organisation” in their recruitment requirements. What they are looking for exactly are people who are able to manage stress and time perfectly. That means you need to have strong skills and abilities in facing stressful situations and also to respect deadlines and certain schedules.

5- Digital Skills:

Who says the 21st century says Technology, and who says technology says the digital world. As time passes, new skills may appear in order to adapt to the current society. If you look back to some decades ago, you will probably never find something called a digital skill. If you can use an electronic device (smartphone, laptop etc.), can use a browser and conduct a web search, can use Microsoft tools, can use social media outlets, and can write an email…etc. you are digitally literate and have digital skills. These might seem very trivial, but trust me they are very essential for many job positions.

How and Where Can We Develop Our Soft Skills?

As I have mentioned above, some skills may be almost innate and we are stimulated to develop them ever since we were toddlers while others can be learned and developed willingly. Developing a skill requires motivation and consistency. You have to implement stimulating factors that help you develop that skill in your daily life, make them habites and get used to them. If you have noticed, the skills I have mentioned seem to be related to each other and one skill helps you develop another. You can start by developing one important skill as a base to another skill. For example, teamwork cannot be developed if you have weak interpersonal skills.

You can develop your soft skills by:

– Attending seminars (can be webinars and live sessions as well) and events animated by professionals to give general advice and tips on a specific skill and how to develop it.

– Challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone. This is an important step, especially for interpersonal skills.

– There are multiple educational platforms that offer short courses on Soft Skills such as Coursera, Udemy, edX and many others, but some of these require paid subscriptions or paid certificates. There is also FutureLearn which offers free Digital Skills and Digital Skills for The Workplace courses as well as other free courses with digital certificates that you can add to your Linkedin profile and to your CV. If you are comfortable in learning in French, you can check the Soft Skills courses on OpenClassrooms. They also have other courses depending on your preferred theme and career.

– There are multiple Youtube channels like “Skillopedia – Skills of the real world” , and “Improvement Pill” that offer explanatory videos of various skills and even actual coaches to help everyone develop certain skills.

Once again, there are multiple soft skills other than the five I have mentioned. Do not limit yourself to these skills and to the platforms I have mentioned because having a sense of learning and searching is also a very important skill that should not be neglected. Many people think that certificates showing a proficiency in a certain skill is everything, and that’s completely untrue. The only way to show your proficiency is to be able to employ and demonstrate your skills. That’s why most jobs and opportunities require interviews.

Author: Imad Moussaoui.

The Five Most Common Learning Styles

March 20 2020

learning, learning styles

People use different approaches to learn, study, and to remember things.

They may want to learn a new language, study a module, or to remember a piece of information. Each person’s mind understands, fathoms, absorbs, and retains knowledge and ideas differently. There are people who can remember things right after seeing them. Others can remember what was said in a conversation right after listening to it without making any other efforts. There are also people who need to be involved in a conversation or in any other type of practice in order for their minds to remember the topic or the points which were discussed at that moment. These approaches are called learning styles.

What Are Learning Styles?

Learning styles are different methods by which people assimilate information. There are many different learning styles, but 5 common styles are represented in both online and classroom learning.

1. Visual or Spatial Learners:

where learners learn best from seeing things. The content needs to be visually presented such as illustrated textbooks, diagrams, flipcharts, and videos. They may also prefer to write things down based on the image which keeps crossing their minds.

2. Auditory or Aural Learners:

it is the totally opposite of visual learners. They are learners who learn things better and acquire information best through discussions and talking.Discussing a topic and listening to others’ conversations help them gain more knowledge about a topic. They can also benefit from using a tape record when reading a passage or a text loudly.

3. Writing and Reading Learners:

These learners comprehend and remember information better when they read about it and write it down. This type of learners prefers to read materials and take notes. Their ideal assignments include reading assignments, extensive note-taking, and essays.

4. Kinesthetic, Interacting, Tactile Learners:

Learning here takes place through moving, doing things, and touching. They learn best through fitting things together, using their hands to make things, and collaborating with others. Hands-on activities are ideal for them because they help them learn best about a topic.

5. Solitary or intrapersonal learners:

Slearners who prefer to use self-study and work alone on a project, activity, or assignment. These learners tend to get themselves well. They understand their weaknesses and strengths which helps them to learn individually and independently.

Learners can share more than one learning style. There are learners who can share two learning styles, as well as, there are others who can share four learning styles at once. It is very important for learners to know about their learning styles for this will help them get good grades and improve their learning skills when they are aware of them.

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0346251X1100056X

https://www.howtolearn.com/learning-styles/

Anderson, 2005. N.J. Anderson. L2 learning strategies E. Hinkel (Ed.), Handbook of Research in Second Language Teaching and Learning, Erlbaum, Mahwah, NJ (2005), pp. 757-771

Author: Lydia Khelil.

Obstacles of Learning a Foreign Language and How to Overcome Them

February 20 2020

langauges, learning

On Learning a Foreign Language :

Regardless of what drives you to learn a foreign language, you would find that it can be overwhelming sometimes. Several people have reported encountering some challenges when trying to learn a new language other than their mother tongue while still enjoying the process all along.
In this article, we will try to cover some of the most common issues Algerian youth might face when tackling a new foreign language.

Finding Motivation :

As you try to learn a new language you are basically trying something new. Something that your brain is not used to. Hence, why you might encounter any sort of resistance from your brain. Resistance to change is a natural defense mechanism that has existed in our minds since forever.

What you can do about it is to set up a starting ground for your journey. What drives you to learn this language? Why this particular language? A small paper with pencil notes would suffice. Try to aim for consistency when setting goals or milestones by setting small ones. Say for instance that you aim to learn 5 words per day. 5 new words a day would mean 150 new words added to your vocabulary by the end of the month. That is quite an achievement if you ask me!

Learning Resources:

Another issue that you might encounter when approaching a new foreign language is the lack of adequate learning resources.

Several options may come to mind here. If you can afford to pay for classes, private schools may be a decent choice to get you started. Of course, some schools are only concerned about money and neglect quality. However, you can always ask people around you about their opinions. Or check the school’s page on social media for recommendations and comments. You would be surprised to see that some fellas out there do take the matter seriously and provide an honest and objective opinion about the product they tried.

If paid classes are not for you then you still have our common gigantic friend called the Internet. You will find way more learning materials than you can ask for and for free most of the time. However, it comes with a cost. The problem with the Internet is that being free and accessible made it possible for everyone to share content, which means tons of information, but not necessarily useful. For this, my friend, I recommend you invest some of your time to select learning content suitable for you.

You can check various sources to pick the most suitable one for you (Apps, Blogs, Youtube). For apps, you may want to check Busuu, Duolingo and Memrise. All three are available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. They also provide free access with monthly paid subscriptions for the full content. BBC Learning English is one of the most reputable websites when it comes to learning English and comes with a delightful interface. If you already are familiar and decently proficient with French then Anglais Facile websites collection are your go-to. You can replace “Anglais” on the website address or on your Google search bar by your language of choice. e.g: Allemand Facile, Espagnol Facile Not only the integrity of the websites is FREE, but they also come with tests for you to measure your level in that particular language and choose where to start from.

It may take you some time to find what suits you the most. But hey, it is free, so we cannot complain about it.

If you are using or know other tools, please share them down below in the comments section. So that other people can benefit from them too.

If neither of the previous options suit you, you should try to find people around you who share your interest in that particular language. This will allow you to practice the language and make some friends in the process which doubles the benefit and the pleasure if you ask me. You can simply ask people about your language of interest in your school, workplace or neighborhood. You would be surprised at how eager Algerians are when it comes to learning foreign languages. A little kindness goes a long way. So always show appreciation when people accept your request to practice a language with them and avoid being clingy or needy at all costs.

Managing Your Time :

Finding time to spend on learning a new language can be a bit hectic nowadays. Depending on whether you are working or still go to school, you may have convinced yourself that you do not have that much time to spend on learning a foreign language. The thing is that you do have time. You are just unaware of it yet. Algerian youth tend to spend up to two hours on transportations per day.

If you use one of the apps or websites we mentioned, you can pretty much do it on your phone during this travel time to school/work. You can also download videos or podcasts on Youtube in the evening to watch/listen to them the day after on the go.

As for private schools, the majority provide an evening schedule of an hour or two past work time. Or a full day schedule during weekends to suit the majority of their potential clients.

If you managed to find someone with whom you can practice your language of choice, you are pretty much dependent on their schedule. However, you can always communicate and coordinate with them to set up for a meeting in a coffee shop or a parc. You can both practice your language and have some fun at the same time. Video chats and voice chats are also an option here if you cannot have a physical meeting.

All in all, languages are a very useful addition to your professional kit and quite fun to learn once your appetite is stimulated. You will get to visit places without actually moving from your place, simply by discovering their culture through the language. I highly advise you to pick a language of choice and invest some time learning it. It will payout for your time and effort in the future.

Mevlana Exchange Program

February 18 2020

Algeria, feedback loop, Hero, Leaders, Leadership

My Experience as a Mevlana Exchange Student in Istanbul, Turkey.

In the beginning of 2019, my university (University of Béjaïa), where I study English language and literature, posted about an exchange program in Turkey, at the University of Istanbul. The program is called Mevlana Exchange Program. I hesitated at first, but then I just thought that I will not lose anything by applying and it will be another life experience.

In recent years, a huge number of Algerians, especially the youth, have shown considerable interest in migrating to Turkey. Whether for work, studies or for better living conditions and opportunities in general. I have seen a lot of people all over social media asking about how to get to study in Turkey. Also, many others have asked me, through my Instagram account, about how I got to study there, and what I think of studies in Istanbul as a whole. I have had the idea of writing something about this experience for a while. It might not be general, 100% relatable or even helpful to all, but I am sure it will be useful to some, especially Algerians who are considering to study in Turkey. Luckily, I had the opportunity to study in Istanbul as an exchange student for one term. I will be talking about the program I was in and the relevant information you need to know about it.

I will start with a brief explanation of the exchange program. What is it? Who can participate in it? What is required and what to do if you get selected? And I will tell you all along this article about my experience with each step. I wanted to share this part especially, because I have struggled a lot in finding relevant information or previous experiences from other students about this program. I ended up not finding anything at all which triggered a lot of confusion and stress.

What is the Mevlana Exchange Program?

Mevlana Exchange Program (Mevlana Değişim Programı) is a program created and funded The Mevlana Exchange Program is funded by YÖK, the Higher Education Council of Turkey. It aims to exchange students and academic staff between the Turkish higher education institutions and higher education institutions of other countries. Selected students will get to study for a semester at a Turkish university. It can be anywhere in Turkey, and not necessarily be in Istanbul. They are awarded a scholarship for four months, and the amount will be announced with the results.

Who Can Participate in the Mevlana Exchange Program?

Basically, to participate in this program, your home university, in any country, must sign a Mevlana Exchange Protocol with a Turkish university. So, the eligibility criteria depend on your university’s Vice-Rectorate of External Exchanges.

What Is Required? And How to Prepare for it?

First of all, you need to be enrolled in the university which has signed a Mevlana protocol. Whether in a bachelor’s program (licence), a master’s program or a doctorate one. The papers you will need are very simple and do not require a lot of effort. You will need:

– The Application Form: Filled on a computer, printed and signed then scanned to make a digital copy.

– Previous transcripts of grades (relevés de notes). The required GPA (grade point average) is 2.5/4 minimum which is something above 13/20 in our grading system.

– Student certificate of the current year to prove you are enrolled in your home university.

– A Certificate of English proficiency. Not necessarily IELTS or TOEFL. It can be a certificate of English language from your university’s language center (like mine) or from a private language school. The required score is 50/100.

– A valid passport (Scan the information page only).

You will have to scan all of these, without any translation. Then you will insert the scanned papers in an MS Word document and save it as a PDF. Finally, you will have to send the saved PDF document to the e-mail address indicated in the announcement. It can be to your university’s Vice-Rectorate of External Exchanges or directory to the Higher Education Council of Turkey, as the latter is responsible for selecting the student for the program, and not your university.

After submitting everything, you will have to wait about 2 to 3 months. Make sure to check the Mevlana page of the concerned Turkish university (I found out that I was selected on the website of Istanbul University, a week after the announcement of results because my university’s coordinator did not care to inform me or check for the results)

What to Do if You Get Selected?

If you get selected, everything should get simpler. You will have to fill out a form to choose the exchange term (Fall or Spring term), and send it to the indicated address. Usually, it is the Mevlana Coordination Office of the host university. And then you wait for the Acceptance Letter which you will need to apply for a student visa. Meanwhile, check the host university’s website and try to find courses you are interested in taking in the department you have applied for, because you will need to fill a learning protocol of the course you take in your home university and the ones you will take in your host university. Also, never hesitate to email the head of departments, professors or any person who might help you get more information.

You will later receive another information form to fill, in which you choose if you are going to stay at university dormitories or somewhere else. If you choose the latter, you will have to look for a place yourself. Keep in mind that all the expenses (i.e. accommodation, transportation and food) are included in the program’s scholarship. However, the scholarship might not be enough so take into consideration your own budget.

My advice is to try to check the location of the dormitory, the reviews on Google, the price and all relevant information. Personally, I did not want to stay in dormitories because sharing a room with 5 other people is relatively expensive compared to a private room in a shared flat with other students (which is what I did). The prices vary and depend on your budget. Once again, you will receive another form to fill out for the transportation card application.

When you receive your acceptance letter, you directly apply for a visa. Prepare your application beforehand and contact the visa application center for any questions or confusion. They will reply briefly with the accurate information that will keep you on the right track and help you avoid any mistake while preparing your documents. After applying for a student visa, take the time to check the courses on the host university’s website and carefully select the courses you want to take in order to fill another student information form and the learning protocol. The courses have to be similar or related to the ones you take in your home country, and must be approved by the head of your department and the Vice-Rector of External Exchanges. Then you scan them and send them to the Mevlana Coordination Office and wait for your visa results!

What to do once you arrive in Turkey?

When you arrive in Turkey, go directly to the Mevlana Coordination office and take the original scanned documents with you, especially the learning protocol. There, they will tell you what to do and they will guide you during the registration process and the residence permit application. As for applying for the residence permit, you have to open a bank account in which you will receive 80% of your scholarship’s funding in the beginning of the program.The 20% in once you pass all the exams and earn 30 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) which is the equivalent of having 30 credits in Algeria. The whole scholarship’s amount will be announced with the results. For example, if you will be accorded a scholarship of 4800 Turkish liras; the High Council of Education will send 3860 Turkish liras to your bank account during the first month. Then the remaining 960 Turkish liras once you complete the program.

I have been given a list of documents to get in order to apply for a residence permit which had 4 biometric photos, health insurance (you need to make one in Turkey since Algerian health insurance is not valid for a residence permit application. You can get one from any insurance agency or travel agency, but beware of scammers! Its price should not surpass 200 Turkish liras; I got mine from Istanbul Foreigners’ Office for 187 Turkish liras). Get a tax number from a tax office (called Vergi Dairesi in Turkish) and pay the tax fee (about 89 Turkish liras for students) in the same office. If it is not possible to do the payment there, you need to find another office just for the payment. A copy of your passport’s information page. Then take all of these to the Mevlana Office where they will help you fill the online application form.

What to Do Once The Program Is Over?

Once the semester is over and exams passed, you will get a transcript of your grades. You will take to the Mevlana Coordination office to confirm your attendance, and get a certificate of attendance. Furthermore, you need to fill the final report in which you evaluate the program and your experience. Then wait for the remaining 20% of your scholarship’s amount.

My Overall Opinion, Pros and Cons of Life in Istanbul:

My experience as a student of English language and literature in the oldest university in Turkey has been very good despite some barriers. The professors were all very competent with a rich background on the courses they teach. The university is in a very central and historical place which means it is very close to almost all touristic places and monuments as well as all of the transportation. I got to make a lot of friends from different countries, whether participants in the program or students from the university.

However, life in Istanbul is not all fun and dreamy as it sounds. Always remember that being a tourist and a student in Istanbul are completely two different things. Life is expensive and you need to be savvy about your budget (Do not worry about transportation, you will have a student IstanbulKart that allows you a 200 monthly rides subscription with 40 liras). Turkish has also been some sort of a frustrating barrier in the beginning, as a lot of people out of those tourist places do not speak or understand English. So my advice is to learn as much Turkish as you can before going to Turkey.

It has not been an easy task to find a room with a certain budget and that is close to transportation, but thankfully I found a very suitable one. And that was through a Facebook group called “SHARING FLATS IN ISTANBUL” and many others like this one, you will find a lot of posts from people looking for flatmates, and you can post your own. If you find an offer that interests you, message the person and ask them if you can see the place. Never pay or accept anything before seeing the place in person. All the while beware of scammers and liars.

I have honestly liked my stay in Istanbul and would have loved to stay longer, but that was not possible. Maybe in future years.

Author: Imad Moussaoui.

Education & Opportunities