Success Through The “CODE” Principle
The youth of today needs to learn how to learn skills and become relevant in the market. Gone are the days when a four-year bachelor’s degree would suffice. Today, one must know about themselves and change with the trends of the corporate world. The youth need to follow some acts to remain up-to-date. They need to keep the CODE principle in mind to achieve success. This refers to ‘continuous learning’, ‘observation’, ‘discussing of ideas’, and ‘enhancing their skills.’
First, the act of ‘continuous learning’ must be a life-long process. Learning does not end when you earn a degree, it intensifies and the strength only increases with time. This learning is obtained by reading and watching. You can read books and novels, encyclopedias and dictionaries, newspapers and magazines.
You need to be open to learning and must pursue it every day. One needs to make a habit to read books. Watching documentaries also adds value to the learning process. One should read and watch content that is of interest and relevant to their field of study.
The second element of the CODE principle is ‘observation’. It is an active method that the youth should follow. Imagine a youth who wants to become a graphic designer. He/she can learn it by using the designing software or he/she can sit with a colleague and observe how the software is used to create graphics and illustrations.
Similarly, those who are fond of cooking food can watch people cook food and observe the methods. Where reading provides one with concepts and theories, observation brings first-hand experience into perspective.
‘Discussing ideas’ is the third part of the CODE principle. It is the exchange of thoughts with peers, colleagues, and seniors. Indeed, discussions bring to the fore new insights that one previously ignored. It gives one a fresh perspective on the subject matter. This provides one with alternate methods to complete tasks.
Discussions are necessary and must be pursued. Students must be encouraged to discuss their studies, future, and extracurricular activities with their colleagues, teachers, and parents. The youth must be motivated to deliberate upon the society they live in and how to make it better. They must be compelled to share their views on topics related to their interest and field of study.
The fourth part is ‘enhancing skills’. This particular part is not complete without pursuing the previously mentioned three parts. Skills are developed through continuous learning, observation, and discussing ideas. The youth of Pakistan especially the children studying in primary schools must be taught how to find a skill of their interest. They should be educated to find their strengths and capitalize on them.
Our education system needs to make room for skills development in the curriculum. Schools and colleges should invite industry experts for guest speaking sessions. They should share knowledge and experience with the students to help them broaden their horizons. Moreover, schools should make arrangements to teach skills through a team of experienced and learned faculty. This skill could be related to computer and software, designing and website development, social media management, writing, and translation, data entry and analysis, presentation, and voice-over, among others.
Collectively we can help our youth to find their interest and develop it. The world of tomorrow will favor those who have skills and can earn from them even before they have completed their studies.