4 answers
Tina
Student
Pearl River, New York
1
Question
Asked
197 views
What are the most important skills employers are looking for in today's applicants?
I am currently undecided on a major but I am interested in communications and writing related careers
Login to comment
4 answers
Julius Kalibbala
CEO at Daystar Grace Foundation, Counselor,Mentor and career guide. Sales and Marketing at Akatale on cloud (U) Ltd
22
Answers
Kampala, Central Region, Uganda
Updated
Julius’s Answer
In 2026, the landscape for communication and writing careers has shifted from "just writing" to "strategic content management."
Employers are no longer looking for someone who can simply draft a press release; they want professionals who can navigate a digital ecosystem where AI, data, and human empathy intersect.
Take a look:
1. Technical & "Hard" Skills
These are the quantifiable abilities you need to produce and distribute content effectively. Like,
* AI Collaboration & Prompt Engineering
* SEO & GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)
*Multimedia Content Creation
* Data Analytics(Return on Investment)
2. Advanced Writing & Strategy
Writing in 2026 is about precision and versatility. Example,
* Cross-Platform Adaptability
*Crisis Communication potential.
*Technical Translation
3. The "Human" Soft Skills
As AI handles more routine writing tasks, these "uniquely human" traits have become the most valuable differentiators.
*Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
* Active Listening
* Ethical Judgment
With these tips above, l trust you can make a checklist of where you're now, where you want to be, what to improve and how to reach there.
Employers are no longer looking for someone who can simply draft a press release; they want professionals who can navigate a digital ecosystem where AI, data, and human empathy intersect.
Take a look:
1. Technical & "Hard" Skills
These are the quantifiable abilities you need to produce and distribute content effectively. Like,
* AI Collaboration & Prompt Engineering
* SEO & GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)
*Multimedia Content Creation
* Data Analytics(Return on Investment)
2. Advanced Writing & Strategy
Writing in 2026 is about precision and versatility. Example,
* Cross-Platform Adaptability
*Crisis Communication potential.
*Technical Translation
3. The "Human" Soft Skills
As AI handles more routine writing tasks, these "uniquely human" traits have become the most valuable differentiators.
*Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
* Active Listening
* Ethical Judgment
With these tips above, l trust you can make a checklist of where you're now, where you want to be, what to improve and how to reach there.
Stephen LaRussa
Senior Manager, Risk Management
6
Answers
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
It's perfectly fine not to have chosen a major yet. Many successful people started just like you. Today, employers want individuals who can communicate well, think critically, adapt to changes, work well with others, and keep learning.
If you like communications and writing, you're already developing skills that are needed in almost every field. Good communicators are always needed because they help connect ideas, solve problems, and build relationships.
Keep exploring what interests you and be open to new chances. You don't have to plan your whole career right now. What matters is that you're curious, learning, and moving ahead. Good luck on your career path!
If you like communications and writing, you're already developing skills that are needed in almost every field. Good communicators are always needed because they help connect ideas, solve problems, and build relationships.
Keep exploring what interests you and be open to new chances. You don't have to plan your whole career right now. What matters is that you're curious, learning, and moving ahead. Good luck on your career path!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1381
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Tina,
This is a really smart question to be asking while you’re still undecided, because it shifts your focus from “What major should I pick?” to “What capabilities will actually make me valuable?” That’s exactly the lens employers are using right now.
Across industries, especially in communications and writing-related roles, employers are looking less at the title of your degree and more at how well you can think, communicate, adapt, and execute. In other words, they’re hiring for capability and evidence, not just credentials.
Basically, having effective communication skills is a must. That goes beyond writing grammatically correct sentences. It’s about being able to take complex ideas and make them clear, engaging, and useful for a specific audience. Whether it’s emails, reports, content, or presentations, employers want people who can translate information into impact.
Closely tied to that is critical thinking and problem-solving. Employers want to know: can you look at a situation, understand what’s really going on, and propose something that works? In writing and communications roles, this often shows up as being able to craft messages that solve business problems, like improving engagement, clarifying a brand voice, or helping an audience take action.
Another big one is digital fluency. You don’t need to be highly technical, but you should be comfortable working with modern tools, content platforms, collaborative software, and even basic data or analytics. Understanding how content performs (what gets read, clicked, or shared) is becoming increasingly important in communication roles.
There’s also growing demand for adaptability and learning agility. The workplace is changing quickly, and employers value people who can pick up new tools, adjust to new expectations, and stay effective without needing constant direction. This is especially important if you're going into a career like communications, where platforms and trends change quickly.
One skill that’s often underestimated is self-management and initiative. Being able to meet deadlines, manage your time, and take ownership of your work makes a huge difference. Employers notice people who don’t just wait for instructions but can move things forward.
Lastly, and this is where many students gain an edge, is having proof of work. If you’re interested in writing or communications, having samples, articles, blog posts, social media content, or even personal projects can be more powerful than your major alone. It shows employers what you can actually do.
So if you’re thinking about your next steps, a strong strategy would be to choose a major you can stay engaged in, while intentionally building these skills alongside it. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now; you just need to start developing capabilities that transfer across roles. You’re in a great position to explore, and if you focus on building real, visible skills, you’ll keep a lot of doors open regardless of the major you choose.
Best wishes!
This is a really smart question to be asking while you’re still undecided, because it shifts your focus from “What major should I pick?” to “What capabilities will actually make me valuable?” That’s exactly the lens employers are using right now.
Across industries, especially in communications and writing-related roles, employers are looking less at the title of your degree and more at how well you can think, communicate, adapt, and execute. In other words, they’re hiring for capability and evidence, not just credentials.
Basically, having effective communication skills is a must. That goes beyond writing grammatically correct sentences. It’s about being able to take complex ideas and make them clear, engaging, and useful for a specific audience. Whether it’s emails, reports, content, or presentations, employers want people who can translate information into impact.
Closely tied to that is critical thinking and problem-solving. Employers want to know: can you look at a situation, understand what’s really going on, and propose something that works? In writing and communications roles, this often shows up as being able to craft messages that solve business problems, like improving engagement, clarifying a brand voice, or helping an audience take action.
Another big one is digital fluency. You don’t need to be highly technical, but you should be comfortable working with modern tools, content platforms, collaborative software, and even basic data or analytics. Understanding how content performs (what gets read, clicked, or shared) is becoming increasingly important in communication roles.
There’s also growing demand for adaptability and learning agility. The workplace is changing quickly, and employers value people who can pick up new tools, adjust to new expectations, and stay effective without needing constant direction. This is especially important if you're going into a career like communications, where platforms and trends change quickly.
One skill that’s often underestimated is self-management and initiative. Being able to meet deadlines, manage your time, and take ownership of your work makes a huge difference. Employers notice people who don’t just wait for instructions but can move things forward.
Lastly, and this is where many students gain an edge, is having proof of work. If you’re interested in writing or communications, having samples, articles, blog posts, social media content, or even personal projects can be more powerful than your major alone. It shows employers what you can actually do.
So if you’re thinking about your next steps, a strong strategy would be to choose a major you can stay engaged in, while intentionally building these skills alongside it. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now; you just need to start developing capabilities that transfer across roles. You’re in a great position to explore, and if you focus on building real, visible skills, you’ll keep a lot of doors open regardless of the major you choose.
Best wishes!
Maria Sami
AI Strategist
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Maria’s Answer
Hello! I hope this message gives you a boost. Employers today are eager to find people who can communicate well, solve problems, adapt to change, collaborate effectively, and use new tools like AI with ease. If you're feeling uncertain about the future, that's understandable, as the job market is evolving rapidly. However, this change doesn't mean there's no place for you. It means those who thrive are the ones who keep learning, stay adaptable, and combine strong human skills with technical abilities. By focusing on improving your communication, problem-solving, and digital/AI skills, you'll greatly enhance your chances of securing a stable financial future and building a lasting career.