Jennifer Yruegas Discusses the Value of Soft Skills in the Modern Job Market

Jennifer Yruegas works as the Dean at Pacific University College of Business. In the following article, she delves into the importance of soft skills in the modern job market and how colleges can better prepare students to excel in their careers.

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the emphasis on technical skills and specialized knowledge has become undeniable. However, an often-overlooked component of career success is the mastery of soft skills. These non-technical skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, are increasingly recognized as vital for professional growth and organizational success. As the job market becomes more competitive, the ability to effectively collaborate, communicate, and adapt is what often sets candidates apart.

Jennifer Yruegas Highlights What Employers Are Really Looking For

Soft skills are personal attributes and interpersonal skills that characterize how an individual interacts with others. Unlike hard skills, which are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets (like coding, accounting, or engineering), soft skills are more about the way one approaches work and life. While we use the term “soft skills” because it is widely understood to encompass non-technical abilities, a more precise nomenclature would be “personal effectiveness skills” or “people skills.” These terms better capture the importance of these abilities in professional settings. Key soft skills include:

• Communication: The ability to convey information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Teamwork: The capacity to work well with others towards a common goal.
• Problem-solving: The aptitude for identifying solutions to complex or unexpected issues.
• Adaptability: The readiness to adjust to new conditions and challenges.
• Emotional Intelligence: The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and those of others.

The Growing Importance of Soft Skills

• Employer Demand: Employers are increasingly seeking candidates who possess strong soft skills. According to a LinkedIn survey, 92% of talent professionals and hiring managers reported that soft skills are equally as important as hard skills, if not more so. They help ensure a collaborative and positive work environment, which is crucial for productivity and employee satisfaction.
• Adaptability in a Changing Market: The modern job market is characterized by rapid technological advancements and shifting business needs. As such, employees with strong soft skills are better equipped to adapt to these changes, take on new roles, and embrace continuous learning.
• Enhancing Technical Skills: While technical skills are essential for many jobs, their effectiveness is often amplified when combined with certain soft skills. For instance, a software engineer with excellent communication skills can better understand client needs, collaborate with team members, and present solutions effectively.
• Leadership Potential: Soft skills are critical for leadership, as leaders need to inspire and motivate their teams, resolve conflicts, and make informed decisions. Jennifer Yruegas notes how developing these skills is crucial for career advancement.

How Colleges Can Foster Soft Skills Development

Given the importance of soft skills, it is imperative for colleges to integrate their development into the curriculum. Here are several strategies colleges can adopt to better prepare students for the workforce:

• Incorporate Soft Skills Training into Courses: Colleges can embed soft skills training into existing courses across disciplines. This can be done through group projects, presentations, and role-playing exercises that simulate real-world scenarios. At Pacific University’s College of Business through our business communication classes we are integrating the art of communication. Through the expertise of Demet Tuncer Consultancy, LLC we’ve created an environment that empowers our students to confidently show up and communicate with clarity, authenticity, and impact, whether they’re in a classroom or in an interview. Our students are equipped to cultivate their natural charisma skills into magnetic forces, enabling them to attract success rather than chase it.
• Offer Workshops and Seminars: Colleges can provide dedicated workshops and seminars focused on soft skills development. Topics can include effective negotiation, leadership, conflict resolution, and empathy.
• Encourage Extracurricular Activities: Participation in clubs, sports, student government, and volunteer organizations can help students develop essential soft skills. These activities provide opportunities for leadership, teamwork, and public speaking.
• Promote Internship and Co-op Programs: Real-world experience is invaluable for developing soft skills. Jennifer Yruegas reports that internships and co-op programs allow students to apply their technical knowledge in a professional setting, interact with colleagues, and navigate workplace dynamics.
• Provide Career Services Support: Career services offices can offer resources such as resume writing workshops, mock interviews, and networking events. These services help students learn how to effectively present their soft skills to potential employers. At Pacific University’s College of Business we have a dedicated Career Readiness director that is continuously providing opportunities to our students to expand their soft skills through interactions with actual hiring managers and monthly professional development classes.
• Mentorship Programs: Establishing mentorship programs where students can learn from experienced professionals can be highly beneficial. Mentors can provide guidance on how to develop and apply soft skills in various professional contexts.
• Integrate Technology and Soft Skills Development: In today’s digital age, technology plays a significant role in communication and collaboration. Colleges can leverage tools such as virtual collaboration platforms and online discussion boards to help students practice and hone their soft skills.

Measuring the Impact of Soft Skills Training

Jennifer Yruegas, Dean of Pacific University’s College of Business says to ensure the effectiveness of soft skills training, colleges should implement mechanisms to measure and assess students’ development in these areas. This can include:

• Feedback Systems: Regular feedback from instructors, peers, and industry professionals can help students understand their strengths and potential areas for improvement. For instance last year Pacific University College of Business held virtual mock interviews providing opportunities for dozens of students to go through two real world interviews back to back with actual company hiring managers from across the region and receive immediate written and oral feedback from the interviewers.
• Self-Assessment Tools: Encouraging students to use self-assessment tools can foster self-awareness and personal growth.
• Performance Evaluations in Internships: Feedback from employers during internships can provide valuable insights into students’ soft skills and professional behavior.

Conclusion

Jennifer Yruegas, Dean of Pacific University College of Business concludes that the value of soft skills in the modern job market cannot be overstated. As workplaces become more competitive, dynamic and interconnected, being able to communicate effectively, work well in teams, and adapt to changing circumstances is crucial for success. Colleges play a pivotal role in preparing students for the workforce, and by prioritizing the development of soft skills, they can equip graduates with the tools they need to thrive in their careers. Integrating soft skills training into the curriculum, providing practical experiences, and offering robust support services are key strategies to ensure that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the modern job market.