As the academic year comes to end and you are all off to enjoy your summer, please take a moment to reflect on the year you have had and what you have learned along the way. Throughout this summer you may find yourself using some of the knowledge you learned from your classes and projects to showcase the skills you have developed during your first year at Duke and that is amazing! While using those skills, do not forget how important soft skills are as well.
“The number one reason why people get hired is because of their technical skills. The number one reason people lose their job is because of soft skills” (Chris Czarnik). I previously attended a summit in which we had employer guest speakers, such as Chris Czarnik, and an employer panel where employers discussed the importance of students not just having technical skills, but also having soft skills and grit! Take a look at the 5 most important soft skills employers value the most:
- Communication
- Creativity
- Initiative
- Problem Solving
- Teamwork/Leadership
Soft skills do not come easy for everyone and we can all work on improving in those areas. As you go throughout your daily routines, try to take steps to improve your soft skills, as these skills can make a great impact in your future success. If you need assistance with displaying these skills in your resume, cover letter, or an interview, you can always schedule an appointment with a career adviser through Handshake!
