They said exploration is a lost art. You didn't listen. As the major factions argued over the space they desparately tried to control, you were busy uncovering the wonders of the Settled Systems.
Starting Skills
Lasers
Personal laser weapons are in widespread use across the Settled Ssytems, and specialized training can greatly increase their effectiveness.
Astrodynamics
Advanced technology is one thing, but it takes skills, patience, and a little bit of love to coax even more capability out of a ship's grav drive.
Surveying
Humanity now has access to untold alien worlds, and the ability to decipher all that data while on the ground has become an essential skillset.