Develop collaboration, leadership and communication skills throughout high school to succeed in college and beyond.

Although a strong background in traditional hard skills like writing, mathematics and science would always have its place in academic and career worlds, an increasing number of employers need prospective employees with soft skills.

Soft skills include the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and enthusiasm to learn throughout experience and are applicable across multiple disciplines and careers. It is significant for students to develop soft skills as they get ready for college and as they graduate and enter the workforce. There are five important soft skills college-bound students need.

Collaboration:

It is very important for college-bound students to function well and appropriately in groups, collaborate on projects and accept constructive criticism while working with others. People who succeed only when working alone will struggle in college and further than, as the majority of careers require collaboration.

Students can expand the skills necessary to effectively work with others in numerous ways, including participating in athletics and extracurricular activities. They can also choose to complete team-based projects such as service activities for the duration of their later years in high school.

Communication and interpersonal skills:

A common complaint among employers is that young people do not know how to efficiently continue 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, other than a lot of argue it has also lessened their ability to communicate face-to-face or via telephone. These skills would again be important not only in college, where students should engage with professors to gain references and recommendations for future endeavours, but further than as well.

An inability to employ these skills effectively translates poorly in college and job interviews, for example. High school students can get better these traits by conversing with their teachers in one-to-one settings. This is also outstanding training for speaking with college professors. Obtaining an internship in a professional setting is also a wonderful means to enhance communication and interpersonal skills.

Problem-solving:

Students will be faced with some unexpected challenges in life and receive little or no aid in overcoming them. They have to be able to solve problems in creative ways and to establish solutions to issues with no prescribed formula.

Students who are accustomed to learned processes, and who cannot infrequently veer off-course, will struggle to handle unanticipated setbacks. Students be able to improve problem-solving abilities by enrolling in classes that us?e experimental learning rather than rote memorization. Students should also try new pursuits that place them in unknown and even uncomfortable situations, for example debate club or Science Olympiad.

Time management:

Whatever structure students could have had in high school to organize their work and complete assignments in a timely manner will be largely absent in college. It is imperative that they be fully self-sufficient in managing their time and prioritizing actions.

The ability to track multiple projects in an organized and efficient manner, in addition to intelligently prioritize tasks is also very important for students long after graduation.

Students can get better this skill by assuming responsibility in multiple areas during high school - nothing develops an aptitude to prioritize faster than necessity or gaining professional employment experience throughout internships, volunteer work or other opportunities.

Leadership:

Whereas it is important to be able to function in a group, it is also imperative to demonstrate leadership skills when necessary. Both in college and within the workforce, ability to assume the lead when the situation calls for it is a requirement for anyone who hopes to draw upon their knowledge and "hard" skills in a position of power.

Companies wish to hire leaders, not followers. The best system for students to develop this skill as they prepare for college is to search for leadership opportunities in high school. This might mean, among other things, acting as captain of?an athletic team, becoming involved in student government or leading an additional group.