At some point, we’ve all faced tension in various situations in life. Whether it’s during an important presentation, a job interview, or when making career decisions, tension often stems from one thing: a lack of confidence.
Tension, especially in career-related situations, is usually caused by self-doubt. We doubt our abilities, question our experiences, and feel insecure about whether we’ll succeed. This is particularly common when transitioning from education to the workforce or from one job to another.
Many turn to quick fixes like motivational videos or self-help books for a confidence boost. While these methods may work temporarily, they often don’t provide the long-lasting confidence needed to thrive in your career.
So, how can we cultivate confidence that lasts?
Confidence can be broken down into two main types: external confidence and internal confidence.
A common example of the lack of internal confidence is seen when people prepare their resumes or CVs. Many individuals struggle to identify their own skills, often asking questions like, “What skills should I include?” or “What are the best skills for a specific job role?” This uncertainty highlights a deeper issue: the inability to recognize our own strengths.
This problem can be traced back to how skills are approached in the educational system, particularly in India. The focus tends to be on academic achievements rather than on soft skills such as communication, leadership, and time management. Many students receive little to no feedback on these important areas, leaving them unsure about their abilities and how to market themselves in the job market.
In contrast, understanding both your strengths and weaknesses builds internal confidence. When you know where you excel and where you can improve, you’re better equipped to navigate your career and face challenges with resilience.
Developing internal confidence requires a deep understanding of yourself. It’s not something that can be acquired overnight, nor is it something that comes from watching motivational videos or reading inspirational quotes. Instead, it involves a process of self-reflection, evaluation, and practical experience.
Programs that incorporate experiential learning are particularly effective in helping individuals build internal confidence. Experiential learning allows you to learn through real-world experiences, helping you better understand your strengths and weaknesses in a practical setting.
For instance, in programs like Intern-Preneur, participants are guided through hands-on activities that encourage self-awareness. Regular evaluations and one-on-one mentoring sessions help individuals identify their unique qualities and areas for improvement. This personalized feedback fosters internal confidence by giving participants a clear sense of their abilities and helping them grow in a supportive environment.
One of the most powerful tools for building internal confidence is constructive feedback. Receiving regular feedback helps you understand how others perceive your strengths and where you need to improve. However, feedback needs to be framed in a positive, growth-oriented manner, focusing not just on what's lacking but on how to develop those areas.
In many cases, feedback from experienced mentors or learning coordinators is what truly helps individuals build internal confidence. These mentors can help guide you toward recognizing and leveraging your strengths while offering support in areas where growth is needed.
Ultimately, long-lasting confidence comes from within. By understanding your skills and weaknesses, you can navigate your career with greater assurance. You’ll be able to set realistic goals, take on challenges, and adapt to changing circumstances without losing your sense of self-worth.
Experiential learning programs and personalized mentorship play a crucial role in helping individuals achieve this level of confidence. By focusing on self-awareness, practical application, and continuous feedback, these programs enable participants to develop confidence that goes far beyond external validation.
In today's fast-paced world, where career challenges are ever-present, lasting confidence is more important than ever. While external sources of confidence, like motivational content or career success, may offer temporary boosts, true confidence comes from understanding yourself and your abilities on a deeper level.
If you're looking to build internal confidence that will serve you throughout your career, consider programs that focus on experiential learning and offer personalized feedback—the key ingredients for lasting personal and professional growth. And yes, you won’t find any other program similar to the Intern-Preneur Development Program! :)