Top 5 Soft Skills Every University Students Need

Soft skills include the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and the willingness to learn through experience, and are applicable across multiple disciplines and careers. It is important for students to develop soft skills as they prepare for University and as they graduate and enter the workforce. There are five important soft skills University-bound students require.

1. Collaboration: It is imperative for University-bound students to function efficiently and appropriately in groups, collaborate on projects and accept constructive criticism when working with others. People who succeed only when working alone will struggle in University and beyond, as the majority of careers require collaboration.

2. Communication and interpersonal skills: A common complaint among employers is that young people do not know how to effectively carry on a conversation and are unable to do things like ask questions, listen actively and maintain eye contact. Obtaining an internship in a professional setting is also a wonderful method to enhance communication and interpersonal skills.

3. Problem-solving: Students will be faced with a number of unexpected challenges in life and receive little or no aid in overcoming them. They must be able to solve problems in creative ways and to determine solutions to issues with no prescribed formula.Students can improve problem-solving abilities by enrolling in classes that use experiential learning rather than rote memorization.

4. Time management: Whatever structure students may have had in high school to organize their work and complete assignments in a timely manner will be largely absent in University. It is imperative that they be fully self-sufficient in managing their time and prioritizing actions.

5. Leadership: While it is important to be able to function in a group, if is also important to demonstrate leadership skills when necessary. Both in University and within the workforce, the ability to assume the lead when the situation calls for it is a necessity for anyone who hopes to draw upon their knowledge and "hard" skills in a position of influence.