Mad Skills: how to leverage your unconventional edge for career development
In a job market marked by educational inflation—where employers increasingly demand higher qualifications—and intense competition, standing out as a candidate is more challenging than ever. While technical proficiency and academic achievements remain essential, a new set of competencies, known as mad skills, which often stem from personal passions, hobbies, or extraordinary experiences, are gaining traction. At ESCP, the Careers Centre is working to help students define and make their professional projects a reality, and recognise and develop these unique talents. We spoke to Yseult de Ferrière, Project Manager for ESCP’s Competency Passport, and Mathias Lepetit, Head of E-Career Services, to understand how helping students leverage their mad skills can lead them to new opportunities.
What are mad skills and what sets them apart?
Unlike traditional soft skills like teamwork or communication, mad skills are less commonly discussed and are often rooted in students’ cultural, artistic, or athletic endeavours. They are mostly cultivated over time, outside of a professional context. As Yseult de Ferrière explains, “Mad skills can be cultural, sporting, or artistic—but they are almost always born out of passion. They’re long-term pursuits that make a difference by enhancing traditional soft skills, thus bringing a unique depth to a person’s profile.”
While soft skills like adaptability, self-confidence, communicating effectively, and building teams are crucial, mad skills go a step further, offering a fresh perspective and added value to potential employers. These mad skills are what set a candidate apart, adding a personal touch that can tip the scales in their favour during recruitment.
Why do mad skills matter?
In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, technical expertise alone is no longer enough. Employers are increasingly seeking candidates who can navigate complex challenges, work autonomously, and bring a unique set of skills to the table. Mad skills often distinguish a candidate by offering insight into their personality, values, and unique leadership skills.
“In France, diplomas and hard skills remain the primary filters,” explains Mathias Lepetit. “However, we live in a fast-changing world where work methods are evolving rapidly, especially with the rise of remote work. Today, employers are looking for candidates who can manage stress, communicate effectively, and work autonomously—particularly in remote settings. This is where mad skills can make a difference. ”
Beyond professional growth, developing these skills also enriches individuals personally and helps them expand their network, which is crucial for future opportunities. “Mad skills go beyond professional life; they contribute to personal fulfilment and networking, both of which are key to opening up more opportunities. At equal technical know-how levels, mad skills can make a huge difference and help a candidate stand out,” Yseult adds.
Tools to help you identify your mad skills at ESCP
At ESCP, students are encouraged to develop and showcase their mad skills through a variety of initiatives. “Recognising one's mad skills can be challenging, especially for students who may not yet have extensive professional experience,” says Mathias. That is why the Career Center supports this process with workshops, individual consultations, and mock interviews, helping students present these skills as valuable assets during job applications.
According to Mathias, the key is to reflect on past experiences and find passions that can be translated into valuable skills: “We help students explore what they’ve accomplished, even if their professional experience is limited. We ask them about their hobbies, summer jobs, and academic projects to identify possible mad skills. From there, it’s about understanding how those skills can benefit their career. For instance, students involved in sports can showcase skills like teamwork, collaboration, self-confidence, and resilience. Those who pursue artistic hobbies might emphasise creativity, attention to detail, and dedication.”
However, student associations are the most significant platform for cultivating mad skills. “Our school fosters excellence, and we have around 50 student societies covering a wide range of interests—from sports and arts to business and organisational roles,” says Mathias. “Being involved in these societies and clubs allows students to develop their mad skills and integrate them into their professional profiles.”
More recently, ESCP’s Career Center has introduced the ESCP Competency Passport, a signature tool designed to help students document and showcase their skills. This passport includes not only technical and soft skills but also mad skills, enabling students to create a well-rounded and compelling profile for recruiters. “The Competency Passport allows students to reflect on their experiences and identify where they excel. It provides a structured way for them to document their skills, understand the context in which they were developed, and gain clarity on who they are as professionals,” explains Yseult. “With this foundation, they can confidently present these skills to recruiters.”
How to (and how not to) leverage your mad skills
Even if mad skills often tip the scales during interviews or networking events, it’s still difficult to measure their direct impact. “However, we know that our students have an excellent employability rate—99% are employed within three months, and 70% even before graduation,” explains Yseult. “Our students are strong intellectually and technically, but the added value comes from their involvement in associations and the multi-campus experience as these atypical competencies often arise from unique experiences, helping students unlock their full potential in academic, personal, and professional arenas.”
Identifying mad skills is usually the easy part. “We ask students to tell their story, and it often becomes clear quickly. Everyone has skills,” Mathias notes. However, the challenge arises when students get carried away by their passions, particularly if those passions are not directly relevant to the job. “A recruiter will always be pragmatic; they expect proof of technical and personal capabilities. Spending ten minutes talking about a passion unrelated to the job isn’t advisable.”
Moreover, some mad skills, particularly those related to sensitive topics like politics or religion, may not be appropriate to mention in a job interview. “It’s important to approach mad skills thoughtfully, considering the context and the person you’re speaking to as values are essential in this process as well,” advises Mathias.
Hone your mad skills today, and reap the benefits tomorrow
As the importance of mad skills continues to grow, there are already many examples of how they have played a pivotal role in the success of ESCP graduates. From students securing dream jobs through networking to those who have turned personal passions into careers, these skills are proving invaluable in today’s job market.
“We’ve had students passionate about music who now work at Spotify or Universal Music, and others who, through their involvement in fashion associations, have landed roles at major French luxury houses,” shares Mathias. “Whether it’s a direct link to their profession or simply a valuable quality they bring to their position, mad skills are playing a crucial role in their career success.”
“Our school believes that accomplishment should be holistic—academic, personal, physical, and professional,” says Yseult. “That’s why we encourage students to step out of their comfort zones, get involved in associations, and develop their mad skills. These experiences not only help them in their careers but also enrich their personal lives.”
As the job market continues to evolve, it is rather difficult to predict what role precisely mad skills will play in the next 10 or 20 years. But one thing is certain: ESCP students will be equipped to make the most of their atypical skills that make a difference.
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