APA 7th Edition 1

The Indispensable Soft Skills for the Future Workforce

The education system continually justifies the assertion that education is the gateway
to wealth, in this context, employment. There has been a failure to actually accede to the fact
that this societal conditioning is flawed. Education equips learner with the much-needed
knowledge but has majorly failed to adequately prepare the students in exercise of the
acquired knowledge appropriately (World Economic Forum, 2020). The transition from the
structured environment of academia to the dynamic world of work requires more than just
technical knowledge.
Employers increasingly recognize the value of "soft skills," the interpersonal and
intrapersonal abilities that shape effective communication, collaboration, and problem-
solving. Soft skills are not directly defined, but rather revealed through the discrepancy
between students' self-perception and employer expectations (Succi & Canovi, 2020). The
study suggests that there's a gap between what students think employers value and the skills
employers actually require. This gap highlights the importance of soft skills, which are likely
the competencies where this difference lies. This essay will explore the key soft skills most
valued by employers, highlighting their critical role in driving success within this specific
profession.
As highlighted in Gill's work, citing a 2013 report by the Australian government,
these soft skills often represent a missing piece in graduates' toolkits. This is particularly
concerning as the ability to navigate complex work environments and build strong working
relationships is fundamental for thriving in today's job market (Gill, 2018).
i. Effective Communication
The ability to articulate ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively is paramount in
ensuring success and effectiveness in the workplace. Whether it's presenting research findings
to colleagues, explaining complex concepts to clients, or collaborating with diverse teams,
strong communication skills form the backbone of successful projects. There is emphasis on
the importance of both written and oral communication, highlighting a disconnect between
graduates' self-perceptions and employer expectations (Succi & Canovi, 2020). Effective
communication goes beyond simply conveying information. It's about actively listening to
understand different perspectives, tailoring messages to specific audiences, and fostering
open and productive dialogue. It is important to establish a respectful rapport with colleagues
and clients to allow for an unprejudicial interaction. The development of various racial
diversities, calls for a more sensitive approach towards effective communication. Mutual
understanding and cultural sensitivity now play a more active role towards the success of
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organizational interaction. The evolution of gender as a societal construct has further

necessitated the need to build an inclusive and accommodative communication structure that
would ensure effectiveness.
For instance, an employee may be tasked with conducting research and presenting
your findings to a board of directors. Here, clear and concise communication is essential. Not
only is there need to present complex data in an understandable way, but also it is imperative
to anticipate and address potential questions or concerns from the board. These might include
cultural relevance, intellectual disparities, organizational culture and personal interests. All
these factors will influence the cognitive level of the audience and inform the reception of the
information being relayed. It requires active listening during the presentation and adapting
your communication style accordingly to address the situation at hand.
ii. Collaboration and Teamwork
The ability to work effectively within teams is another essential soft skill. Many
projects involve collaboration across different disciplines and expertise. Professionals must
be adept at working towards shared goals, respecting diverse viewpoints, and resolving
conflicts constructively. A peaceful and collaborative work environment is most favourable to
initiate productive and creative thinking. When ideas and thoughts are appreciated,
employees are motivated to think freely which initiates ideas and increases the quality of the
output. The coordinated involvement of all members of the team would encourage versatility
and an inclusive result that would be relevant in all dimensions. It would also provide an
avenue for learning, growth and appreciation for diversity. Research highlights the growing
emphasis on teamwork and collaboration in the workplace, with employers placing a high
value on these skills (Succi & Canovi, 2020)
Teamwork is crucial during project development. When developing a new product or
service for example, efficient collaboration is key. You might need to work with engineers,
designers, and marketing specialists to ensure the product meets all requirements and
resonates with the target audience. This requires effective communication, fostering a culture
of respect for diverse skillsets, and the ability to navigate potential disagreements
constructively all while striving for the team's shared goals. Division of labour would ensure
that there is productivity and specialization that would ensure optimum results.
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iii. Adaptability and Continuous Learning

The world of work is constantly evolving with no exception. As new technologies
and approaches emerge, professionals must be adaptable and embrace continuous learning.
This involves being open to new ideas, readily learning new skills, and adjusting to changing
work environments. There is need to emphasize on the critical nature of lifelong learning as
technology and industries rapidly evolve (Succi & Canovi, 2020). The workforce has become
diversified with increased globalization. The presence of foreigners in workplaces is not an
alien sight and has become a societal normal mas at today. Exchange of information and ideas
has been set in motion with various viewpoints beginning to be dismantled with development
of new and improved ideas. The diversity calls for need to adapt to this complex environment
and be open to criticisms and ideas.
New research or advancements in technology could significantly change the field
overnight. Here, adaptability and continuous learning are key. Constant need to seek out new
information is imperative, whether through professional development courses, industry
publications, or online resources. This ensures employee relevance in the field and allows
them to contribute effectively to evolving projects.
iv. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
The ability to analyse information, identify problems, and develop innovative
solutions is highly valued in organizations and firms. Professionals must be able to think
critically, approach challenges creatively, and formulate effective strategies. The research
highlights the importance of problem-solving skills, noting a significant gap between
graduate self-assessment and employer expectations (Succi & Canovi, 2020). Critical
thinking is essential for tackling complex issues. As an organization’s employee, you may
encounter unforeseen challenges in your projects. The ability to analyse the situation, identify
the root cause of the problem, and develop innovative solutions will be critical for ensuring
project success.
v. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
EQ refers to the ability to understand, manage, and express one's own emotions, as
well as perceive, utilize, and influence the emotions of others. High EQ is crucial in fostering
positive working relationships, navigating challenging situations, and building trust with
colleagues and clients. Strong emotional intelligence allows you to manage your own stress
effectively, remain calm under pressure, and motivate your team members (Fogelberg &
Wang, 2023). Additionally, it helps you recognize and address potential interpersonal
conflicts within the team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
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Understanding how to handle different members of your team in a respectful and

acknowledging manner is a desirable leadership quality that would foster a good working
relationship.
Conclusion
While technical skills are necessary for success in any field of employment, soft skills
play an equally important role. Effective communication, collaboration, adaptability, critical
thinking, and emotional intelligence are essential for navigating the complexities of
professional life and driving successful outcomes (Rothwell & Lindquist, 2019). By actively
developing these soft skills, graduates entering the field employment can increase their
employability and make valuable contributions to their chosen profession.
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References
Fogelberg, K., & Wang, Y. (2023). Educational Philosophy and Philosophers. Educational
Principles and Practice in Veterinary Medicine, 1-33.
Gill, I. (2018). Graduate employability in the digital age. Education and Training, 60(3/4),
241-254. [DOI: 10.1108/ET-08-2017-0122]
Rothwell, W. J., & Lindquist, M. J. (2019). Developing soft skills in engineering students.
Journal of Engineering Education, 108(3), 307-323.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343908179_The_Importance_of_Soft_Skills
_for_the_Engineering
Succi, C., & Canovi, M. (2020). Soft skills to enhance graduate employability: comparing
students and employers’ perceptions. Studies in Higher Education, 45(9), 1834–1847.
https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2019.1585420
World Economic Forum. (2020, October 21). The Future of Jobs Report 2020.
https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2020/in-full/
executive-summary/