As a vocational instructor and one who works (Registered Nurse), I try to include these "soft skills" into as many lessons as possible. While it is important for students to have subject knowledge, I always stress what employers are looking for. Good grades and technical skills will get you in the door, but it's things like working as a team, communication skills and good work ethics that will KEEP you employed.
Hi Mark - Thanks for your post to the forum. I very much agree that it is the responsibility of all institutions of learning to do as much as possible to graduate students with competency in the soft skills. If they have little to none and are therefore unemployable, what value is there to the education we have given them? Susan
I think all higher learning institutions should teach this type of course to all incoming students. Especially in facilities with alot of adult learners, often times adult learners either don't have these skills or need to have these skills improved.
Hi Julie- thanks for your post to the forum. We try to bring employers in to talk with our new students about what they will be looking for in new- hires. As you mention they always emphasize the soft skills which makes quite an impact on our students. Susan
I highly believe in soft skills and do lessons aon the subject this with all of my students.I use a pie chart on "What Employers are looking for in Prospective Employee's". It always suprises the students that the number one thing isn't their skills! Employers are looking for dependability and soft skills and often they will use a personality competancy test when interviewing for employee's,therefore it is very important to learn,practice and utilize this skill.
HI Raquel- Thanks for your post to the forum. Do you have a pre-req class where you teach the soft skills? Iagree that we need to make sure our students have these skills before they graduate.
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I've learned that soft skills are very important tools to have. I teach all my student soft skills as a prerequisit to the administion class.
The ability to commucate on a level where others can understand and not become confused or affended by you is very important because attitude is everything. Your attitude determines your altitude.
It is absolutely critical that students learn and understand everything that is required for them to be successful in the work world. A good GPA and a successful interview may get you hired in your first entry-level position, but that is not the end. The successful employee must continue to learn, especially the soft skills.
A mentor, or someone who can guide the entry-level employee, can also be a great help.
An executive I worked with years ago always taught me that he would hire based on interpersonal skills. His reasoning was - he could teach the person to do the job skills.
I have carried this lesson with me!
Hi Kristen- Thanks for your post to the forum. The skills that your students learn in your class are so valuable. Employees that cannot get along with co-workers and clients are useless no matter how technically skilled. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
