Top skills examples for students in the Philippines

As a student preparing to enter the job market, you may feel overwhelmed with all the skills you need to work on and develop. Having the right skills can help potential employers notice you and make your move from school to work much smoother. 

Let's explore the skills that employers in the Philippines value most. We'll discuss how to develop these skills and show them off in job applications. Here's what we'll cover: 

• Essential skills for students in the Philippines 
• Communication skills 
• Technical and computer skills 
• Problem-solving and critical thinking 
• Teamwork and collaboration 
• Time management and organization 
• Adaptability and flexibility 
• Leadership and initiative 
• Developing and showcasing skills 
• Conclusion 
• FAQs 

Essential skills for students in the Philippines 

The job market in the Philippines is changing quickly. Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation have transformed business operations at a rapid pace. The IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBAP) is leading efforts to train one million workers in AI-related skills. 

Employers look for hard and soft skills during an interview. A skills list you can focus on follows. 

Communication skills 

Developing communication skills will help you in your studies and later at work. Some core communication skills include the following. 

Verbal communication 

Sharing your ideas involves talking in a way that fits the situation. This can either be one-on-one conversations or group presentations. You can improve your verbal communication by: 

• joining debate clubs or Toastmasters groups at school 
• volunteering to present in class 
• practicing explaining complex ideas in simple terms. 

Written communication 

Good writing skills also show your attention to detail and professionalism. You can enhance your writing by: 

• practicing with different types of documents, such as emails, reports, and summaries 
• getting feedback on your writing from teachers or peers 
• reading widely to expand your vocabulary and writing style. 

Active listening 

Active listening means paying attention to what people say. You should understand their message and reply thoughtfully. You can improve your active listening skills by: 

• focusing entirely on the speaker without planning your response while they're talking 
• asking questions to clarify anything you don't understand 
• observing nonverbal cues such as body language and tone. 

Nonverbal communication 

Your body language, facial expressions, and gestures contribute to how well you communicate. You can develop your awareness of nonverbal communication by: 

• practicing appropriate eye contact 
• being mindful of your posture and gestures 
• matching your facial expressions to your message. 

Include specific examples on your resume. You can mention presentations you've given as part of a project and share examples of student clubs or events you led or joined. You can also discuss any of your volunteer activities. 

Technical and computer skills 

Companies want job seekers who quickly learn new tools and have technical skills. Here are some important skills to learn.   

Basic computer literacy 

Proficiency in common office software is a must-have skill. This includes: 

• day-to-day tools such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace 
• basic troubleshooting skills 
• introductory knowledge of generative AI and automation tools. 

You can work on these skills through online courses, school computer labs, or volunteering for projects that require using these tools.  

Industry-specific software 

You may need to learn specialized software for your field. For example: 

• Accounting: Excel
• Design: Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Figma 
• ​Marketing: Social media managment tools, analytics platforms 
• Digital technology: Programming languages such as Python, database systems, and networks.  

Programming skills 

Understanding coding basics helps you see how digital systems function. It also lets you automate everyday tasks. Consider learning: 

• HTML/CSS for basic web design 
• Python for data analysis and automation 
• SQL and NoSQL for database queries 
• JavaScript for web functionality. 

Start by searching for free resources. Good options include Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, and YouTube tutorials.  

Digital literacy 

Digital literacy goes beyond software skills. It means you can adapt to new technologies, protect digital information, and use online resources correctly. This includes: 

• understanding privacy and security basics 
• using digital tools for collaboration 
• staying updated on technological trends. 

Problem-solving and critical thinking 

Employers want people who can spot problems and create practical solutions. Companies look for the following skills. 

Analytical thinking 

Analytical thinking involves breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts. You can develop it by: 

• practicing logic puzzles and brain teasers 
• analyzing case studies in your field of interest 
• identifying patterns and connections in information. 

Decision-making 

Decision-making means facing a problem, finding a solution, and making a smart choice. This applies to any issue you tackle. You can improve this by: 

• weighing pros and cons before making choices 
• considering short and long-term consequences 
• accepting input from colleagues and seniors. 

Creative thinking 

Companies look for job seekers who can find innovative approaches to existing challenges. You can enhance your creativity by: 

• brainstorming multiple solutions to problems 
• looking at issues from different perspectives 
• combining ideas from different fields. 

Logical reasoning 

Rational thinking helps you build stronger business strategies and solve tough problems. You can improve this by: 

• working through mathematical problems 
• analyzing arguments for validity 
• practicing explaining your reasoning step by step. 

Tell employers about the problems you've solved. Share specific challenges and how you tackled them. Explain the problem, your approach, and the outcome.  

Teamwork and collaboration 

You might work with people from many nationalities and cultures in the workplace. As part of this, you may need to focus on some of these skills. 

Interpersonal skills 

Building positive relationships with colleagues creates a safe and productive work environment. Do this by: 

• participating in group projects at school 
• joining student organizations or clubs 
• volunteering for community service. 

Conflict resolution 

Addressing disagreements professionally is valuable as it helps build strong work relationships. Practice this early on by: 

• learning to express concerns constructively 
• seeking compromise and win-win solutions 
• staying calm during difficult conversations. 

Working with diverse groups 

Philippines workplaces employ people from different linguistic, cultural, and regional backgrounds. This helps bring different outlooks and solutions to challenging problems. You can start by: 

• seeking opportunities to work with diverse groups 
• spending time to learn about different cultures and perspectives 
• being open to new ideas and approaches. 

Try this at school. Work with classmates from different provinces or ethnic backgrounds on a group project. Don't just team up with your closest friends. Listen to how they approach a task. Discuss ideas and respect any different methods they might take. 

Time management and organization 

Good time management helps you complete tasks without stress or feeling overwhelmed. Here are some skills to improve how you use your time. 

Prioritization 

Identifying and focusing on the most important tasks helps you use your time efficiently. You can improve your prioritization by: 

• working on to-do lists by importance and urgency 
• using the Eisenhower Matrix 
• reviewing and adjusting your priorities regularly. 

Goal-setting 

Setting realistic and achievable objectives gives direction to your work. You can enhance your goal-setting abilities by: 

• creating SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) 
• breaking large goals into smaller, manageable steps 
• celebrating achievements and learning from setbacks. 

Planning 

Creatig schedules and to-do lists can help you manage your workload. Improve your planning by: 

• using digital or paper planners to organize your days 
• estimating how long tasks will take 
• creating daily, weekly, and monthly plans. 

Adaptability and flexibility 

Your ability to adapt to new situations is crucial because jobs and technology change fast. It helps you plan your strategy when new priorities come up or requirements change. The following are some skills to develop. 

Openness to change 

Embracing new ideas and approaches helps you work well in different settings. You can develop this openness by: 

• trying new methods of studying or working 
• challenging your comfort zone regularly 
• seeking feedback and being willing to adjust your approach. 

Learning agility 

Learning new skills gives you an edge in job recruitment. Practice this by: 

• developing effective learning strategies 
• seeking out new information in your field 
• being willing to make and learn from mistakes. 

Resilience 

There can be situations where you face setbacks and challenges in the workplace. Resilience helps you remain calm and composed. You can build it by: 

• developing a growth mindset that views challenges as opportunities 
• building a support network 
• reflecting on past challenges you've overcome. 

Leadership and initiative 

Employers are more likely to choose job seekers who can initiate, inspire, and motivate others. Leadership skills allow you to work well with others in any work setting. We've listed some below. 

Taking responsibility 

Owning tasks and seeing them through to completion shows the employer that you're reliable. You can develop this aspect of leadership by: 

• signing up for challenging assignments 
• following through on commitments 
• admitting mistakes and learning from them. 

Decision-making 

Making informed choices and standing by them is a key leadership skill. You can learn to make better decisions by: 

• gathering relevant information before making decisions 
• considering the impact of your choices  
• evaluating the outcomes of your decisions. 

Project management 

Overseeing and co-ordinating tasks and resources helps projects succeed. You can develop project management skills by: 

• breaking large projects into manageable steps 
• tracking progress and addressing issues promptly 
• changing plans when necessary. 

You can demonstrate leadership as a student by taking initiative in group projects, volunteering to lead student organizations, or organizing events.  

Developing and showcasing skills 

Building the skills employers want can take a lot of time and effort. Here are some strategies to help you develop and demonstrate your abilities. 

Seek development opportunities 

There are many ways to build your skills as a student. Consider: 

• internships and on-the-job training 
• volunteer work 
• student organizations and leadership roles 
• online courses and workshops. 

The Skill Our Future (SOF) digital learning platform provides digital skills training and job opportunities for Filipino youth. This platform helps you build the skills you need for new job trends in technology and other fields. 

You can also check out groups that offer undergraduate and graduate students internships. For example, the International Rice Research Institute offers internships in bioinformatics, genomics, and computer science. It also helps with hands-on experience and skill development opportunities. 

Create an effective resume

You can create an effective resume by: 

• tailoring it to each job application and highlighting your relevant skills 
• using action verbs such as developed, built, and organized to describe your accomplishments 
• including specific examples that demonstrate your skills 
• quantifying your achievements when possible, such as "increased attendance by 20%" 
• keeping it concise, well organized, and within two pages. 

Prepare for interviews 

During job interviews, be ready to provide examples of the skills and experiences you'll discuss. For instance, highlight how you've used communication, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, adaptability, and leadership skills in various situations.  

Conclusion 

Developing a strong set of skills is essential as you prepare to enter the Philippine job market. Technical knowledge is important, but employers also value transferable skills. These include communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. Start by identifying the skills most suitable for your career goals. Then, actively seek opportunities to develop them.  

Skill development is an ongoing process. Continue learning and adapting even after getting your first job. Start small, be consistent, and celebrate your progress along the way.  

FAQs 

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Philippine job market for students. 

1. What are the current job market trends for students in the Philippines? 
   ⁠The Philippine job market is growing in several areas. Key sectors are:   
   ⁠technology and digital jobs   
   ⁠business development   
   ⁠sustainability and green roles   
   ⁠healthcare   
   ⁠e-commerce and digital marketing. 
2. What specific skills are most in demand for entry-level positions in the Philippines? 
   ⁠Entry-level positions need strong communication skills and basic tech knowledge. Employers also look for problem-solving, teamwork, time management, and adaptability.  
3. How do Filipino employers value communication skills in English versus Filipino? 
   ⁠Filipino employers usually value language skills in both English and Filipino. They often stress English, especially in multinational companies and the business process outsourcing (BPO) sectors. It's a big plus at work to be able to express your ideas in both languages. 
4. What are the most popular industry-specific software tools in the Philippines? 
   ⁠Common tools include Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, SAP Business One for ERP, Adobe Creative Suite for design, various CRM systems, and industry-specific software such as Zoho Books and Xero for accounting. 
5. How do companies in the Philippines typically assess teamwork skills during the hiring process? 
   ⁠Companies often use behavioral interview questions and group activities to assess teamwork skills. They may also conduct reference checks and present scenarios or case studies that need collaborative solutions. 
6. What time management tools or techniques are common in Philippine workplaces? 
   ⁠Companies use digital calendars, project management software like Asana or Trello, time-tracking apps, and traditional planning methods.  
7. What leadership opportunities are available for Filipino students in universities? 
   ⁠Filipino universities offer leadership opportunities to students to help put programs and activities in place that promote holistic development and wellness. This is possible through student councils, academic organizations, sports teams, volunteer programs, event planning committees, and research projects.  
8. What are some effective ways for Filipino students to display their skills on online platforms? 
   ⁠You can start by:  
   ⁠creating a portfolio website 
   ⁠contributing to relevant projects on platforms such as GitHub 
   ⁠participating in online communities relating to your field. 
9. What internship programs are popular among Filipino students for skill development?  
   ⁠Here are some popular internship programs you can apply for:  
   ⁠Globe Telecom's Summer Internship eight-week program combines classroom sprints with real business projects to help you work on interesting use cases and create impact. 
   ⁠Accenture Philippines Student Internship offers year-round recruitment pools with a strong mentoring culture. You get a chance to work on the latest tech and be industry-ready. 
   ⁠Shopee & SeaMoney Apprentice Program focuses on gaining real-world experience by working on projects in the e-commerce and tech industry. 
10. How do Philippine companies typically assess soft skills during job interviews? 
    ⁠Philippine companies usually test your soft skills through behavioral and situation-based questions. This helps them test your interpersonal abilities and adaptability. They may also ask questions about past projects or give you role-play simulations to test how well you manage real-life scenarios.