In the rapidly advancing age of artificial intelligence and mechanical automation, zealous workers are continuously exploring methods to distinguish themselves. This is the juncture when soft skills, quite unexpectedly, become necessary. While machines have assumed a significant portion of the technical job roles in recent times, they can’t displace the need for human attributes such as communication, empathy, resilience, and time-management to mention a few, that play a major role in the professional sphere.
These invaluable soft skills, often identified as transferable skills, are typically intangible, and there are probably no examinations to credentialise these proficiencies. Nevertheless, Victoria Lawlor, who is a career advisor at Trinity College Dublin’s Business School, emphasized that possessing robust soft skills equips a graduate to “differentiate themselves in a fiercely competitive job market”.
However, these skills are frequently underappreciated, particularly by the employees themselves. As Lawlor stated, “These are skills individuals possess but often overlook. These include exceptional communication skills, problem-solving abilities, innovative thinking, adaptability, team collaboration, time management and others.”
“These skills complete the overall package an individual brings to their workplace and are just as valuable as technical skills, if not more, often nurtured over a period of time. Communication skill, as one of the most cited examples of a soft skill, is indispensable across all aspects of life – work, personal, familial. It helps in carving a personal branding in employment, particularly a clear communication style that asserts an individual’s credibility in business.”
She added, “Adapting your communication style helps you assimilate into the culture of your workplace. When we talk about communication, we mean not only articulating thoughts but also active listening and modifying the way you communicate with others.”
“There are many people who rely on emails for communication at work, and adapting to that style of communication becomes necessary. Apart from these, graduates should also inculcate time-management skills. Employees are often assigned tasks to be finished within a specific duration, or might be handling multiple assignments simultaneously. Fortunately, time management is a skill most graduates are acquainted with,” Lawlor explained.
Throughout their university years, students have been adhering to deadlines, undertaking their studies, and many have also been managing part-time work along with their academic pursuits. This ability to juggle responsibilities can be extremely beneficial in a professional environment, according to her.
Especially in a workforce where hybrid working is prevalent, it is crucial for fresh graduates to possess strong time-management abilities, display a committed and adaptable work ethic – irrespective of whether they’re operating independently or from remote areas.
It’s common for young graduates to consider their tender age and inexperience as a downside when entering the professional world for the first time. However, this youthful exuberance and a wealth of innovative ideas can be substantial pros instead.
Fresh graduates bring a unique perspective with them, which can be a significant asset in the business world according to Ms Lawlor. This includes varying cultural backgrounds and divergent life experiences, which can foster innovation.
As a newbie in the professional arena, you may be at the base of the hierarchy, but that doesn’t rule out the necessity for leadership abilities, as per Ms Lawlor. Many graduates already possess these skills, whether they’ve acquired them through heading a group project, orchestrating voluntary endeavours, or leading a sports team.
Even if the initial role doesn’t require leadership skills, displaying such competencies can pave the way for better opportunities within the organisation, argued Ms Lawlor. This could eventually result in graduate’s involvement in major projects, taking charge of certain work areas, and greater responsibilities.
Ms Lawlor further stated that if graduates feel short on the skills potential employers are looking for, there are plenty of ways they could enhance their skills. Firstly, assessing their soft skills is crucial – this involves identifying the skills they already possess, the ones they lack and those they wish to better.
For instance, if someone has been actively participating in team sports during university years, they probably have strong team engagement skills, even though they may not realise it as a skill. Similarly, if they’ve been managing multiple responsibilities during their university life, they’re already equipped with time-management skills.
It is essential to proactively focus on those aspects that you wish to enhance once you have identified them. Guidance for your career can be obtained from a suitable mentor in your new work environment. Mr Lawlor points out that there are several resources at your disposal. He cites LinkedIn Learning and YouTube videos as excellent aids. He also mentions that several organisations provide internal training or seminars, notably on topics like time management, communication and teamwork.
Mr Lawlor believes it is worthwhile to gain knowledge from others’ experiences. It’s beneficial to observe those who are performing exceptionally well within the company and the soft skills they possess. Some corporations even offer mentorship schemes that pair rookies with more seasoned employees. He asserts that all it takes is practice, learning and growth.
However, if fresh graduates are unable to find these possibilities in their workplace, Mr Lawlor emphasises that they shouldn’t be fearful. Transferable skills can be learnt in non-office environments too, like learning about teamwork via volunteer work or honing leadership skills by coaching a junior sports team.
Ms Lawlor concludes stating that soft skills are critical yet a considerable part of life. Thus, she insists that anyone who strives to hone these areas can surely accomplish this. She concludes by saying, it is necessary to understand that improving soft skills takes time and there is no quick fix. Often it’s an amalgamation of factors that bring about the best outcomes.