5 answers
Krish
Student
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
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What are some overlooked but essential soft skills I should start building now to succeed in college and in a future career?
I’ve been so focused on grades, test scores, and resumes that I haven’t thought deeply about the interpersonal or emotional skills that make someone truly successful in college or the workplace. I want to make sure I’m not just academically prepared, but also mentally and socially ready. What skills - like emotional intelligence, communication, or time management - do most students forget to build until it's too late?
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5 answers
Pervinca Sanchez Navarro
Compute Partner Account Manager
4
Answers
Mesa, Arizona
Updated
Pervinca’s Answer
Hi Krish! This is a very powerful question!
Investing in yourself is always worthwhile. Improving communication skills is essential, and I also recommend focusing on emotional intelligence. A fantastic book that has helped me is "Emotional Intelligence 2.0" by Jean Greaves and Travis Bradberry. It includes a self-assessment and offers valuable insights for everyday interactions. Give it a try to enhance your understanding and readiness in dealing with situations and people!
Investing in yourself is always worthwhile. Improving communication skills is essential, and I also recommend focusing on emotional intelligence. A fantastic book that has helped me is "Emotional Intelligence 2.0" by Jean Greaves and Travis Bradberry. It includes a self-assessment and offers valuable insights for everyday interactions. Give it a try to enhance your understanding and readiness in dealing with situations and people!
Mark Gruca
Project and Program management
6
Answers
Marana, Arizona
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hi Krish,
I will attempt to respond by outlining one thing that I did while still in high school. In this case I went way out of my comfort zone and decided to compete, in what they called "speech" at the time. None of my close friends did this, so I broke away from them and just did it. Hands down, one of the best things I did, especially at that juncture in my life. It pulled me out of my shell a bit and I also gained the much needed confidence to stand up in front of an audience and get more comfortable with that situation. Reflecting back, I use that skillset every day when leading meetings and just meeting with people in general, either via remote or in person. You had mentioned communication and that is only one example. Non verbal communication is huge. You may consider researching that topic and determining how to apply those concepts to your situation and also every day activities. I hope this is beneficial to you and your endeavors. Best of luck! Mark
I will attempt to respond by outlining one thing that I did while still in high school. In this case I went way out of my comfort zone and decided to compete, in what they called "speech" at the time. None of my close friends did this, so I broke away from them and just did it. Hands down, one of the best things I did, especially at that juncture in my life. It pulled me out of my shell a bit and I also gained the much needed confidence to stand up in front of an audience and get more comfortable with that situation. Reflecting back, I use that skillset every day when leading meetings and just meeting with people in general, either via remote or in person. You had mentioned communication and that is only one example. Non verbal communication is huge. You may consider researching that topic and determining how to apply those concepts to your situation and also every day activities. I hope this is beneficial to you and your endeavors. Best of luck! Mark
Jerry Bires
career coach
60
Answers
Carbondale, Illinois
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Krish,
One thought. . We're living in rapidly changing times. Our weather, technology and our ability to work globally are in flux and evolving. E.g., who knows where artificial intelligence is headed and how will it affect your future work opportunities? One thing will remain consistent and valuable. Your ability to communicate effectively. And what can assist you in communicating more easily and therefore become even more employable? Language. Make an effort to learn to speak, write and read a second language. Or two. Your worth will increase dramatically. Get a college degree or higher in courses to which your interests gravitate. Determine how well you perform activities about which you are passionate. Because if you are not good to great at something, why should someone hire you to perform that function?
Conduct this Google search: what professions will be in demand in ten years
Then substitute another/related job title or profession to see if that provides a different or expanded list. The results, because of our changing world, may or may not be entirely on target but you'll get an idea. AND you may find out that a certain country may be where that opportunity is most likely to be...hence, my advice about learning multiple languages.
Be sure to go to LinkedIn and search by job title for individuals who now or previously held the job title in which you’re interested. Their profiles should contain valuable information about their duties, work history, career progression, associations/organizations of value to research and more.
Good fortune to you moving forward.
One thought. . We're living in rapidly changing times. Our weather, technology and our ability to work globally are in flux and evolving. E.g., who knows where artificial intelligence is headed and how will it affect your future work opportunities? One thing will remain consistent and valuable. Your ability to communicate effectively. And what can assist you in communicating more easily and therefore become even more employable? Language. Make an effort to learn to speak, write and read a second language. Or two. Your worth will increase dramatically. Get a college degree or higher in courses to which your interests gravitate. Determine how well you perform activities about which you are passionate. Because if you are not good to great at something, why should someone hire you to perform that function?
Conduct this Google search: what professions will be in demand in ten years
Then substitute another/related job title or profession to see if that provides a different or expanded list. The results, because of our changing world, may or may not be entirely on target but you'll get an idea. AND you may find out that a certain country may be where that opportunity is most likely to be...hence, my advice about learning multiple languages.
Be sure to go to LinkedIn and search by job title for individuals who now or previously held the job title in which you’re interested. Their profiles should contain valuable information about their duties, work history, career progression, associations/organizations of value to research and more.
Good fortune to you moving forward.
Brianna Tillman, MBA
Program Coordinator
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Brianna’s Answer
Hello,
My advice would be to build confidence in yourself and your abilities. You can take as many courses as you want to learn better communication skills, but if your confidence is low then you might struggle. The most successful people I know have great confidence in themselves and have high self-esteem.
Another aspect to focus on is networking, because it can take you far. Do not be afraid to introduce yourself to someone or ask for their advice. The worst they can do is say no. Students focus so much on the grades but the relationships you foster can take you a long way as well.
My advice would be to build confidence in yourself and your abilities. You can take as many courses as you want to learn better communication skills, but if your confidence is low then you might struggle. The most successful people I know have great confidence in themselves and have high self-esteem.
Another aspect to focus on is networking, because it can take you far. Do not be afraid to introduce yourself to someone or ask for their advice. The worst they can do is say no. Students focus so much on the grades but the relationships you foster can take you a long way as well.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical engineer, researcher and Software Developer
210
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Hello, Krish,
It's truly amazing to see your dedication to becoming a well-rounded student. Choosing to build soft skills is one of the best decisions you can make. These skills not only help you do better in school but also shape your identity and pave the way for personal growth and future success. While academic knowledge is important, how you connect with others, tackle challenges, and present yourself often matters just as much—or even more.
Many students don't realize the importance of soft skills until they face college, internships, or the workplace and feel unprepared. With so much emphasis on grades and achievements, it's easy to miss the skills that quietly determine your life's path.
Interpersonal skills—like clear communication, teamwork, and building real connections—are crucial. In our ever-changing world, the ability to adapt and connect with people gives you a big edge. As you grow, it's important to develop leadership by taking initiative and supporting those around you. Time management will help you stay organized and reach your goals, while emotional intelligence will enable you to understand yourself and relate to others with empathy and maturity. Keep going, and remember that these skills will take you far!
It's truly amazing to see your dedication to becoming a well-rounded student. Choosing to build soft skills is one of the best decisions you can make. These skills not only help you do better in school but also shape your identity and pave the way for personal growth and future success. While academic knowledge is important, how you connect with others, tackle challenges, and present yourself often matters just as much—or even more.
Many students don't realize the importance of soft skills until they face college, internships, or the workplace and feel unprepared. With so much emphasis on grades and achievements, it's easy to miss the skills that quietly determine your life's path.
Interpersonal skills—like clear communication, teamwork, and building real connections—are crucial. In our ever-changing world, the ability to adapt and connect with people gives you a big edge. As you grow, it's important to develop leadership by taking initiative and supporting those around you. Time management will help you stay organized and reach your goals, while emotional intelligence will enable you to understand yourself and relate to others with empathy and maturity. Keep going, and remember that these skills will take you far!