Soft Skills On Demand: How Higher Education Can Prepare Students To Succeed In The Marketplace

Abstract

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, business organizations have quickly adapted so that employees can work remotely, which has in turn accelerated the value employers place on particular soft skills employees exhibit – namely Agency, Adaptability, and Curiosity. This study explores how these three soft skills show up in the workplace so that instructors within higher education can implement teaching methodologies for students to foster these skills before they enter the workforce. Additionally, we provide examples of effective teaching methodologies including role modeling, team charters, student accountability, team projects, student feedback, and instructor reinforcement.