While university life gives you a lot of free time, how you use that time will greatly affect your future options. Obtaining qualifications is an extremely effective means for students who want to gain an advantage in job hunting or acquire skills that will be useful once they enter the workforce. In this article, we will introduce the recommended qualifications that you should obtain while you are a university student, regardless of whether you are studying liberal arts or science, and the reasons why.

1. TOEIC (score of 700 points or more)

[Recommendation level: ★★★★★] English proficiency is the most powerful and portable skill required regardless of industry or job type.

• Reason: Many companies use TOEIC scores as a criterion for hiring and promotion. Generally speaking, a score of 600 is the best score you can write on your resume, but if you want to use it as a weapon in your job hunting, aim for 700 or more. If you are targeting global companies or trading companies, a score of 800 or above is a good guideline.

2. IT Passport / Basic Information Technology Engineer Examination

[Recommendation level: ★★★★★] This national qualification is recommended not only for those aspiring to the IT industry but also for all students.

• Reason: In modern business, basic IT knowledge (security, networking, system development basics, etc.) is essential. Even liberal arts students can obtain an IT passport after 1 to 2 months of study, and it proves that they are not allergic to IT. Furthermore, if you have the higher-level ``Basic Information Technology Examination,’’ you can strongly demonstrate your logical thinking ability and strong interest in IT.

3. Nissho Bookkeeping Certification (Level 2 and above)

[Recommendation level: ★★★★☆] It is a universal language for understanding a company’s “money flow”.

• Reason: A sense of cost and the ability to interpret a company’s financial statements (B/S, P/L) are extremely valuable, not only in accounting and finance departments, but also in sales and planning positions. Level 3 is useful as basic knowledge, but ``Level 2 or higher’’ is what is evaluated in job hunting.

4. Financial Planner (FP) Level 3/2

[Recommendation level: ★★★★☆] This qualification is useful not only for students who want to work in the financial industry (banking, securities, insurance), but also for your own life.

• Reason: You can comprehensively learn the “money knowledge” that is inevitable in life, such as taxes, insurance, pensions, real estate, etc. If you want to work in the financial industry, you will be required to take it after joining the company, so if you get up to the second grade while you are still a student, it will prove your enthusiasm and make things much easier after joining the company.

Points to note when acquiring qualifications

Just because you have the qualifications doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get a job offer. What companies want to know is your process and sense of purpose, such as Why did you decide to obtain that qualification?'' and How did you maintain your motivation to study?’' Rather than just taking a qualification at random just because it’s a famous qualification, it’s important to work backwards from your desired industry and career plan and focus your studies on the qualifications you really need.