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What are some human skills I should start building now to succeed in college and in a future career ?
What are some human skills I should start building now to succeed in college and in a future career?
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21 answers
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
- The human skills I would encourage young students to have are 1) be curious, 2) take time to listen and get to know those around you on a deep personal level and 3) lastly keep an open mind when change inevitably comes.
- College is designed to be a learning space but it doesn’t always teach you how to continue learning when you transition into performance spaces. Learn how to learn, ask questions, and be curious in a way that help you understand that it’s not just the answer but the journey along the way to it that matters.
- College is designed to be a learning space but it doesn’t always teach you how to continue learning when you transition into performance spaces. Learn how to learn, ask questions, and be curious in a way that help you understand that it’s not just the answer but the journey along the way to it that matters.
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Focus: Build technical fluency while strengthening leadership impact.
AI Mastery: Learn Prompt Engineering for LLMs (ChatGPT, Azure OpenAI, Gemini) — mastering context framing, chain-of-thought prompting, and automation via APIs.
Coding Overview: Gain hands-on familiarity with Python, SQL, and JavaScript to leverage AI-powered coding tools (GitHub Copilot, AWS CodeWhisperer, Replit AI).
Data Platform Upskilling: Deepen understanding of data ingestion, data quality (DQ) automation, and metadata-driven pipelines using Informatica, Azure Data Factory, Kafka, and Snowflake.
Soft Skills: Strengthen people management, problem solving, and analytical thinking through real projects, mentoring, and scenario-based reflection.
AI Mastery: Learn Prompt Engineering for LLMs (ChatGPT, Azure OpenAI, Gemini) — mastering context framing, chain-of-thought prompting, and automation via APIs.
Coding Overview: Gain hands-on familiarity with Python, SQL, and JavaScript to leverage AI-powered coding tools (GitHub Copilot, AWS CodeWhisperer, Replit AI).
Data Platform Upskilling: Deepen understanding of data ingestion, data quality (DQ) automation, and metadata-driven pipelines using Informatica, Azure Data Factory, Kafka, and Snowflake.
Soft Skills: Strengthen people management, problem solving, and analytical thinking through real projects, mentoring, and scenario-based reflection.
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello CVOH,
I think there are a lot of different skills that are very important in life. There are many to explain but the most important is the discipline that you have to do well in school and throughout your life. Discipline can help you because it will remind you of your goals, who you are as a person and can guide you to being successful in any career field. I will also write a couple of more things down below.
5 important skills in any aspect of school/life:
-Discipline
-Motivation
-Critical thinking skills
-Communication skills
-Time management
These skills take time and take a lot of patience in order to achieve. We are all human and sometimes things are not perfect but it is important to focus on these aspects when it comes to your life. The need to grow and learn will set you apart from other people who might have more advantages but might not have the skills listed above. Best of luck to you on your life journey!
I think there are a lot of different skills that are very important in life. There are many to explain but the most important is the discipline that you have to do well in school and throughout your life. Discipline can help you because it will remind you of your goals, who you are as a person and can guide you to being successful in any career field. I will also write a couple of more things down below.
5 important skills in any aspect of school/life:
-Discipline
-Motivation
-Critical thinking skills
-Communication skills
-Time management
These skills take time and take a lot of patience in order to achieve. We are all human and sometimes things are not perfect but it is important to focus on these aspects when it comes to your life. The need to grow and learn will set you apart from other people who might have more advantages but might not have the skills listed above. Best of luck to you on your life journey!
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
- How to communicate and collaborate effectively with others. Empathy and openness towards other perspectives. Critical thinking and the ability to utilize technology to enhance your strengths.
- Everything begins with you attitude. Embrace change. Learn to adapt to anything / any situation that happens to you or your near and dear ones. Remember - true learning is never a one time thing
- Don't limit yourself because you don't think you can. You probably can't at this moment because you've never really tried. A little bit of progress everyday adds up over time.
- Everything begins with you attitude. Embrace change. Learn to adapt to anything / any situation that happens to you or your near and dear ones. Remember - true learning is never a one time thing
- Don't limit yourself because you don't think you can. You probably can't at this moment because you've never really tried. A little bit of progress everyday adds up over time.
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hello,
It is great to hear that you are looking to gain some human skills in order to prepare for college and a career. This is very important to focus on as it will be able to let you connect more with other people and yourself.
Firstly, take care of yourself mentally and physically. You very well might be eating snacks and staying up late during college, but do make sure to have some veggies, get sleep, and make time for things outside of school and work. It is easy to forget how important these things are because of how much you might studying. But, if they are taken care of as best as you can, then it will make the school work load much easier.
Start getting used to arriving to places early. It’s easy to be late, but showing up on time/early shows a lot about a person.
Learn how to converse. This might sound silly, but it can take some getting used to speaking “professionally” so to speak. A good way you can go about practicing this is getting a job. Most jobs, specially service jobs, you have to talk to people which can be good practice. One example is like a waiter, which can be good to practice conversation and other practical skills like task management, speed, etc.
Best of luck to you on your journey!
It is great to hear that you are looking to gain some human skills in order to prepare for college and a career. This is very important to focus on as it will be able to let you connect more with other people and yourself.
Firstly, take care of yourself mentally and physically. You very well might be eating snacks and staying up late during college, but do make sure to have some veggies, get sleep, and make time for things outside of school and work. It is easy to forget how important these things are because of how much you might studying. But, if they are taken care of as best as you can, then it will make the school work load much easier.
Start getting used to arriving to places early. It’s easy to be late, but showing up on time/early shows a lot about a person.
Learn how to converse. This might sound silly, but it can take some getting used to speaking “professionally” so to speak. A good way you can go about practicing this is getting a job. Most jobs, specially service jobs, you have to talk to people which can be good practice. One example is like a waiter, which can be good to practice conversation and other practical skills like task management, speed, etc.
Best of luck to you on your journey!
Andrew Fan, CPA
Deals Advisory Associate
13
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
As someone who has recently transitions from being a college student to working in a full time career, here are some of the skills that I have noticed myself using a lot more in my job:
1. Communicate well - Be clear when you write, speak with confidence, and really listen to others.
2. Work with others/be a good teammate - Be dependable, respectful, and open to feedback when in a team
3. Think critically - ask "why," look at problems from different angles, and come up with solutions
4. Stay flexible - learn to handle change, bounce back from setbacks, and manage stress in healthy ways.
5. manage your time - plan ahead, stay organized, and don't leave things to the last minute.
1. Communicate well - Be clear when you write, speak with confidence, and really listen to others.
2. Work with others/be a good teammate - Be dependable, respectful, and open to feedback when in a team
3. Think critically - ask "why," look at problems from different angles, and come up with solutions
4. Stay flexible - learn to handle change, bounce back from setbacks, and manage stress in healthy ways.
5. manage your time - plan ahead, stay organized, and don't leave things to the last minute.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1087
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
In my opinion, Teamwork is something that needs to be developed for achieving success in the future.
Individualism, I believe is somewhat overrated, and much more can be accomplished by an organization when no one is concerned about who gets the credit for the successes, which are achieved.
Teamwork, also emphasizes that you have a genuine consideration for others. An eagerness to sacrifice personal interests of glory for the welfare of all.
There are many individuals, in our society, who believe that they can make things happen by themselves. I agree that some amazing ideas and progress has been brought on by a single individual, and the fact is it would be worthless if they did not share it. But, when I look at how they implemented that idea, it becomes clear that it was put into action with the help of a team. Teamwork, is the way to make big things happen in society.
Teamwork involves many characteristics, which includes selflessness. Basically, an eagerness to sacrifice personal glory or gain for the greater good, namely, the welfare and success of your organization, your team, and your group.
Success for an organization means finding an individual, who can make the team great, rather than someone who is just a great . This is a major component of the teamwork philosophy.
I prize individuals, who are eager to sacrifice for the common good of an organization, and this is a soft skill that will eventually lead to the future achievement of goals and objectives., and will subsequently benefit society.
Individualism, I believe is somewhat overrated, and much more can be accomplished by an organization when no one is concerned about who gets the credit for the successes, which are achieved.
Teamwork, also emphasizes that you have a genuine consideration for others. An eagerness to sacrifice personal interests of glory for the welfare of all.
There are many individuals, in our society, who believe that they can make things happen by themselves. I agree that some amazing ideas and progress has been brought on by a single individual, and the fact is it would be worthless if they did not share it. But, when I look at how they implemented that idea, it becomes clear that it was put into action with the help of a team. Teamwork, is the way to make big things happen in society.
Teamwork involves many characteristics, which includes selflessness. Basically, an eagerness to sacrifice personal glory or gain for the greater good, namely, the welfare and success of your organization, your team, and your group.
Success for an organization means finding an individual, who can make the team great, rather than someone who is just a great . This is a major component of the teamwork philosophy.
I prize individuals, who are eager to sacrifice for the common good of an organization, and this is a soft skill that will eventually lead to the future achievement of goals and objectives., and will subsequently benefit society.
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
- To succeed in college and your future career, focus on building key human skills like effective communication, active listening, and teamwork, which help you connect and collaborate with others. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to navigate complex challenges. Cultivate emotional intelligence to understand and manage your own emotions while empathizing with others. Strengthen time management and adaptability to handle changing demands and stay productive. These skills form a strong foundation for both academic success and long-term career growth.
- Start to get to know yourself, this can help you unlock a variety of skills that you can build on
- Soft skills will continue to be invaluable as AI technology advances. Focusing on emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and creativity as you also develop technical skills will allow you to stand out not only in classes but as you begin a career. No one wants to work with a robot - maintaining human skills will always be important.
- Start to get to know yourself, this can help you unlock a variety of skills that you can build on
- Soft skills will continue to be invaluable as AI technology advances. Focusing on emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and creativity as you also develop technical skills will allow you to stand out not only in classes but as you begin a career. No one wants to work with a robot - maintaining human skills will always be important.
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Learn to be good at taking feedback. Most of the time, people that are providing you with developmental feedback or doing so because they care about you and believe in your potential. Rather than arguing with them, assume positive intent, and that there are some truth to what they are saying people’s perception of you is their reality. Try to incorporate it.
After picking your desired choice of career path, seek internships/ jobs / work experience in that desired field. Learning from the ground up, no matter how smart you think you are, is the worlds best teacher. I found this to be a great setup that evolved my career from school to college to starting my career. Always seek new mentors, advocates and experience to get further in life. My personal example would be, while knowing I was going to do Financial Services at University early in school, I got a job in bank as a clerk while my friend got jobs in fast food, cinemas and retail. It was a great foundation building skills for the future
After picking your desired choice of career path, seek internships/ jobs / work experience in that desired field. Learning from the ground up, no matter how smart you think you are, is the worlds best teacher. I found this to be a great setup that evolved my career from school to college to starting my career. Always seek new mentors, advocates and experience to get further in life. My personal example would be, while knowing I was going to do Financial Services at University early in school, I got a job in bank as a clerk while my friend got jobs in fast food, cinemas and retail. It was a great foundation building skills for the future
Je'Todd (JT) Smith, MBA, PMP®
Sr. Program and Project Manager
4
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Je'Todd (JT)’s Answer
That's a fantastic question! Focusing on "human skills" is one of the best decisions you can make right now. As AI and automation take over more routine tasks, these skills will help you become a successful student, a great team player, and a future leader.
1. Deep Listening & Empathy
- Listen to understand, not just to reply. Try to see things from others' perspectives and show empathy.
2. Constructive Feedback (Giving and Receiving)
- Learn to give feedback that is clear, helpful, and kind. Also, accept feedback without getting upset. This will help you grow and improve your interactions with others.
3. Creative Problem Solving
- Tackle problems with fresh ideas and connect different concepts to find new solutions. It's not just about the right answer, but finding a better one.
1. Deep Listening & Empathy
- Listen to understand, not just to reply. Try to see things from others' perspectives and show empathy.
2. Constructive Feedback (Giving and Receiving)
- Learn to give feedback that is clear, helpful, and kind. Also, accept feedback without getting upset. This will help you grow and improve your interactions with others.
3. Creative Problem Solving
- Tackle problems with fresh ideas and connect different concepts to find new solutions. It's not just about the right answer, but finding a better one.
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
- Mentorship. Acting as a mentor to those more junior to you in a subject are to share what you know. Seeking out mentors more senior than you in areas you wish to learn more about.
- Networking, communication, empathy, inclusivity, leadership, apprenticeship
- Relationship building. Intellectual curiosity. Listening, collaborating, and learning together.
- Networking, communication, empathy, inclusivity, leadership, apprenticeship
- Relationship building. Intellectual curiosity. Listening, collaborating, and learning together.
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
- Learning is never ending process. No human knows everything so keep learning as per the changes happening.
- Learn how you like to engage with people. We're all different, but getting over the uncomfortable hump of putting yourself out there in a new and unfamiliar setting is a skill that will absolutely benefit you in your career.
- Learn every day, learn to unlearn so that you can adapt and always have an open mind
- Learn how you like to engage with people. We're all different, but getting over the uncomfortable hump of putting yourself out there in a new and unfamiliar setting is a skill that will absolutely benefit you in your career.
- Learn every day, learn to unlearn so that you can adapt and always have an open mind
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
- I need to be more empathetic and that is a key human skill in a world that seems to polarize more every day. This will help me learn to understand others better.
- I am focusing on strengthening my critical thinking skills, because the ability to analyze information and solve problems will remain valuable no matter how technology evolves. AI enables information collection and synthesis but the judgements of human is still imperative to make decisions. You may use as much information as you wish with empowered AI tools, but it cannot make judgements for yourself or take your responsibility.
- How to engage with people in person and connect with them beyond a transactional level.
- I am focusing on strengthening my critical thinking skills, because the ability to analyze information and solve problems will remain valuable no matter how technology evolves. AI enables information collection and synthesis but the judgements of human is still imperative to make decisions. You may use as much information as you wish with empowered AI tools, but it cannot make judgements for yourself or take your responsibility.
- How to engage with people in person and connect with them beyond a transactional level.
Marlene Galvan
performance and accountability
7
Answers
Chandler, Arizona
Updated
Marlene’s Answer
Time Management is crucial in anything you do. If your on time your late always show up 5-10 minutes early.
Stress Management learning how to manage with stress and what works best for you. Whether is taking a walk or just talking to your best friend find what works for you.
Stress Management learning how to manage with stress and what works best for you. Whether is taking a walk or just talking to your best friend find what works for you.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
854
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Networking and connecting with others. Being able to have conversations with others while communicating your value will serve you well in virtually any career.
It can be uncomfortable, but the more you put yourself out there the better.
It can be uncomfortable, but the more you put yourself out there the better.
Sarah Naa Odarkai Lamptey
1
Answer
Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana
Updated
Sarah Naa Odarkai’s Answer
I believe that mastering the concept of emotional intelligence can help you in this regard. What do i mean by this? This is simply knowing how to conduct yourself around people of different backgrounds and personalities. Mastering how to respond to each individual in a way that does not generate tension or a toxic environment. You can achieve this by treating each individual with respect and learning to tolerate others no matter how you disagree with them. I hope this helps.
Ehab Thabit
Marketing
5
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
Ehab’s Answer
Focus on becoming a strong communicator by making your ideas clear and actionable. Think about your brand. How do you want others to see you: as a hard worker, a supportive team player, or someone who is always eager to learn. Act consistently with this image, even when no one is watching, so that it is genuine. Build relationships by reaching out to professionals in your desired field and ask if they can mentor you. Their guidance can help you navigate your career path effectively.
Destiny Hankerson
Athlete, Artist, and Writer
35
Answers
East Orange, New Jersey
Updated
Destiny’s Answer
You have many great choices for building human skills to succeed in college and your future career. I'm glad you asked this question, because I still believe there's value in developing human skills, even in our technological age.
First, consider developing your communication skills, as another professional mentioned. No matter what kind of job you seek, communication skills are so important. If you can communicate clearly and effectively with people, you'll be a step ahead, and people will enjoy working with you!
Second, build your creative skills. Creativity is still important, even though AI exists. There's value in human creativity, and if you show you can come up with original and interesting ideas, people will really appreciate that. And I think it won't be hard for you to do, because I believe we all have our own version of creativity within us.
Third, learn to work with others and develop teamwork skills. You'll often be working in a team during your career years, so you should learn how to work effectively with team members. As you get better with teamwork, you can offer your skills while letting others have room to contribute, too!
Finally, learn how to take care of yourself and not overwork. This is something I'm still learning myself, but this is a very valuable human skill to have. Self-care will prevent burnout and give you time to refresh!
Thanks for the great question, and I hope my answer was helpful for you. Good luck with your career!
First, consider developing your communication skills, as another professional mentioned. No matter what kind of job you seek, communication skills are so important. If you can communicate clearly and effectively with people, you'll be a step ahead, and people will enjoy working with you!
Second, build your creative skills. Creativity is still important, even though AI exists. There's value in human creativity, and if you show you can come up with original and interesting ideas, people will really appreciate that. And I think it won't be hard for you to do, because I believe we all have our own version of creativity within us.
Third, learn to work with others and develop teamwork skills. You'll often be working in a team during your career years, so you should learn how to work effectively with team members. As you get better with teamwork, you can offer your skills while letting others have room to contribute, too!
Finally, learn how to take care of yourself and not overwork. This is something I'm still learning myself, but this is a very valuable human skill to have. Self-care will prevent burnout and give you time to refresh!
Thanks for the great question, and I hope my answer was helpful for you. Good luck with your career!
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Key human skills to build now:
- Clear communication (writing and speaking)
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Adaptability and learning agility
- Time management and self-discipline
- Information literacy and ethics
- Creativity and curiosity
- Emotional intelligence (empathy and self-awareness)
- Feedback seeking and resilience
- Networking and storytelling
- Clear communication (writing and speaking)
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Adaptability and learning agility
- Time management and self-discipline
- Information literacy and ethics
- Creativity and curiosity
- Emotional intelligence (empathy and self-awareness)
- Feedback seeking and resilience
- Networking and storytelling
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2575
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. This is a good question indeed.
Below are some soft skills that are vital for studying and working:
1. Communication
2. Time Management
3. Critical Thinking
4. Team Work
5. Emotional Intelligence
Hope this helps!
Below are some soft skills that are vital for studying and working:
1. Communication
2. Time Management
3. Critical Thinking
4. Team Work
5. Emotional Intelligence
Hope this helps!
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Don't limit yourself because you don't think you can. You probably can't at this moment because you've never really tried. A little bit of progress everyday adds up over time.