Each industry has its own set of technical skills and proficiencies. However, there are universal soft skills that can be applied to all industries. Workers who lack these skills could be at risk of being unsuccessful. Students must have the opportunity to learn and practice these skills outside of the classroom if we want them to be successful.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are six soft skills that are necessary for professional success: Communication, Enthusiasm/Attitude, Teamwork, Networking, Critical thinking/Problem-solving, and Professionalism. Here are some suggestions for how to incorporate these skills in your curriculum.
Communication
Employers place communication skills at the top on their wish list for employees. Technology has made communication easier in the workplace, so students must have a variety of experiences to master this skill.
Multimedia presentations, persuasive essays, speeches, and the use of social media for course discussion all touch on different aspects professional communication and will benefit your students moving ahead.
Enthusiasm, and attitude
Many students won’t be able to find their dream job immediately after graduation. They will likely have to work through a few entry-level jobs before they can move up the corporate ladder. Attitude is everything. According to the Department of Labor, employers would rather train enthusiastic but inexperienced workers with job skills than hire someone with excellent qualifications and a positive attitude.
People don’t want to work with people who aren’t interested in the job. Students who have positive thinking skills will be able to thrive. This trait can be helped by assignments such as gratitude journals, essays on “famous failings”, and group discussions.
Teamwork
It is essential to be able to work well together in most workplaces. Each member of an organisation has a role and each role is crucial to the success of the organization. It is not difficult to work in a group. If members don’t manage their behavior and aren’t capable of managing themselves, tensions and conflict can easily arise.
Students will be required to work in groups with high stakes jobs and designated roles. This is just like what they would do in the real world.
Networking
Most hiring managers will agree that they would prefer to interview someone who has been recommended by someone they know or work with. Networking is the best way for these recommendations.
For many, professional networking can be intimidating. Many students will find it easier to practice networking skills in the classroom. Students can feel more comfortable by practicing mock informational interviews and other social simulations.
Problem solving/critical thinking
Employers are most concerned about young workers’ lack of problem-solving and critical thinking skills. One way to improve these skills is to get students out of their comfort zones and give them assignments that look like the ones they will encounter at work.
Complex projects that pose problems that you can’t or won’t solve for them force students into creative thinking, to seek out information from multiple sources, and to persevere through obstacles. These are skills that every employer would love.
Professionalism
Professionalism is a combination of multiple skills, rather than one skill. While it’s the most difficult soft skill you can teach, there are activities and policies that you can use to encourage your students to learn this skill. Role-playing activities, which place students in the shoes and shoes of managers or supervisors, as well as reflection opportunities about work experiences are two options. Another option is to have stricter classroom policies.
While it may seem harsh to students to insist on professional email etiquette and set hard deadlines, holding them accountable will give them a better understanding of the working world. It may also help them reduce their culture shock after graduation.
