No Longer Soft: Once Coined Soft Skills will Become Required Work-Force Necessities
No longer touted as soft skills, students should work on crafting a tool-box that looks much different than our own during our high school and college years.
Recently, my son changed his major from Business to Sociology.
I heard the audible gasps of some of my friends. I am not worried in the least; creativity will be the cornerstone for our future workforce.
It was my colleague in advising that assuaged any worries I had at first mention of his shift. As an experienced advisor, she reminded me that knowing systems and understanding people will be instrumental in coming years. After all, his program teaches analytical writing, research skills and critical thinking through studying diverse topics like race, gender and the environment.
No longer touted as soft skills, students should work on crafting a tool-box that looks much different than our own during our high school and college years. They should:
1. Hone Automation-Proof Skills:
According to Megan Cerullo of CNBC, 12% of college graduates are unemployed.
One can assume that rate will continue to grow as roles giveaway to AI. Honing automation-proof skills and harnessing creativity will belong to those who dare to dream and push conventional boundaries. That is why it is critical for students to continue to practice creative thinking. When students are able to connect seemingly disparate concepts into new, imaginative possibilities- the world is truly their oyster.
Not only will creativity lead to employment but so will problem solving.
2. Foster Critical Thinking:
With ambiguous and multi-faceted problems facing various sectors (all at the same time), the ability to move beyond traditional solutions will be a key skill set for grads. Working through complex problems in STEM classes and general education classes, for example, will keep students thinking outside the box and coming up with creative solutions to complex issues.
Furthermore, it is advantageous for
all students to have experiential learning via shadowing and internships. If they can start in high school- great. If not, these experiences are crucial as undergrads. Knowing the role, and thinking about problems before they happen, is a game changer.
3. Explore Creativity:
Write a short story. Learn to paint. Build. Practice the piano.
Some argue that creativity is the engine of innovation, and businesses that foster growth will see greater outcomes. When employees and contractors have the ability to test new processes and products, they will feel that their time, energy, and intellectual property is valued by their employer. Students who are comfortable being creative will expect these liberties in the workplace, and this growth mindset will be an essential skill for companies and graduates alike.
4. Practice Adaptability:
If Covid taught us anything it was the dreaded word: pivot. The workforce of the future will be constantly evolving, and a creative mindset enables individuals and teams to adapt and think about solutions from various perspectives.
Students need to be able to shift and move. They need to be pliable and recognize that the only constant is change itself.
Change can be messy and uncomfortable, but it can also lead to growth.
5. Embrace Diversity:
Finally, diversity across teams– age, race, gender identity, nationality– means that various perspectives are included leading to creative outcomes through collaboration. When teams bring different vantage points, there is opportunity for new, innovative answers.
Not to mention, diversity breaks down barriers and dismantles stereotypes.
Change is always an inevitable part of life. However,
automation-proof skills like problem solving, innovation, adaptability, and enhanced collaboration
will be necessary in every sector and those that aren’t even invented yet. These skills are no longer soft- they are critical to tomorrow’s success.
