Soft Skills + Technical Skills = The Right Combination
1:40 PM – 2:00 PM • 20 Minute Runtime • Room 220
In an ever changing world, employers need new college graduates to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact in the workplace as they start their professional careers. Research shows technical skills are important, but employers also value candidates who have strong soft skills. Academic programs typically focus on teaching technical skills to prepare students for a specific industry or profession. However, graduates must possess both soft and technical skills for their careers to be successful professionals. This presentation will highlight how one academic program incorporates teaching soft skills including leadership, teamwork, problem solving, and organization, to help better prepare its students to succeed after graduation. Best practices will be highlighted which could be incorporated into the curriculum of other academic disciplines or programs.
Jennifer Warner
Assistant Professor • Ball State University – Department of Construction Management and Interior Design