1. Soft skills intro

2. Languages Writing skills Computer skills Machine operation
Technical skills
Communication
Team work
Problem-solving
Time-management
Leadership
Difference between hard and soft skills

3. Why are soft skills important?

5. Which soft skills are the most important?
Nearpod poll – which soft skills do you think are the most important?

6. How do businesses and employers rank soft skills

7. Top 5 soft skills Communication/ Collaboration/ team-work
interpersonal skills
Collaboration/
team-work
Problem-solving
Time-management/
organisation
Leadership
The top 5 for employment and education

8. Soft skills for Higher Education
How they apply in higher education and how to develop them

9. Collaboration/ team work
Teamwork is a big part of university life. You might have to complete a group project or work on a presentation as part of a team.
Those who’ve taken part in group activities such as societies and sports teams will also be adept in collaboration.
It is imperative for higher education-bound students to function efficiently and appropriately in groups, collaborate on projects and accept constructive criticism when working with others.
People who succeed only when working alone will struggle in higher education and beyond, as the majority of careers require collaboration.
Students can develop the skills necessary to effectively work with others in numerous ways:
Participating in athletics and extracurricular activities.
Completing team-based projects such as service activities during their later years in school.

10. Confidence and communication
A common complaint is that young people do not know how to effectively carry on a conversation and are unable to do things like ask questions, listen actively and maintain eye contact.
The current prevalence of electronic devices has connected young individuals to one another, but many argue it has also lessened their ability to communicate face-to-face or via telephone.
Students can improve these traits by conversing with their teachers in one-to-one settings.
This is also excellent training for speaking with university professors.
Obtaining work experience in a professional setting is also a wonderful method to enhance communication and interpersonal skills.

12. Problem-solving
As you study for your degree, you will be required to think for yourself and respond to challenges. From deciding what point you’ll argue in an essay to working out your budget for a term, you will have made a lot of decisions by the time you graduate.
Employers have put problem solving skills in their top 10 for new graduates. You’ll be using them on a day to day basis to find solutions that suit the team and the business.
You will have developed plenty of soft skills during your degree, but one of the best ways to try them out is to take part in an internship programme
You can improve problem-solving abilities by enrolling in classes that us​e experiential learning rather than ​rote memorisation.
You should also try new activities that place you in unfamiliar and even uncomfortable situations.

13. Good and bad sources of information

14. Time management
You’ll be prioritising tasks on a daily basis in your job, but it’s possible to start improving these skills by applying a few simple tips to university life. You’ll have deadlines to meet and exams to prepare for, as well as many students juggling part-time jobs.
Manage your time by creating a to-do list, prioritising your studies over your job and social life and setting goals and time limits so that you use your time effectively. Being able to organise your time could help you get excellent results at University as well as at work.
The ability to track multiple projects in an organized and efficient manner, as well as intelligently prioritize tasks, is also extremely important for students long after graduation​​.
You can improve this skill by assuming responsibility in multiple areas during secondary school – nothing develops an ability to prioritise faster than necessity
Or gaining professional employment experience through internships, volunteer work or other opportunities.

16. Leadership
While it is important to be able to function in a group, it is also important to demonstrate leadership skills when necessary
Employers wish to hire leaders, not followers
The best way for students to develop this skill as they prepare for higher education is to search for leadership opportunities in school.
This could mean, among other things, acting as captain of​ an athletics team, becoming involved in the school council or leading an extracurricular group.

17. Practice, practice, practice!
Examples are key!
When applying for a job or having an interview it’s not sufficient to just list soft skills
Provide an example, try to make the intangible tangible
Make a plan, what action will you take to develop your soft skills?

18. Rate your soft skills
How do you rate your own soft skills? Which need improving?

19. Any questions?