Understanding Essential Skills

Most people have heard of “hard” or “technical” skills and their alleged opposite, “soft” skills. However, many career development practitioners and employers are shifting the focus to “essential” skills. In this age of rapidly evolving technology, employers want college graduates who have essential skills that can serve as a foundation for the makings of a great employee. These skills span industries and academic disciplines, and can help students future-proof their career success. Check out our conversation all about the critical need for essential skills with Suzanne Helbig, Associate Vice Provost, Division of Career Pathways at University of California, Irvine. In this conversation, we talk about: The meaning and value of essential skills Common misconceptions about essential skills How colleges and universities can help their students develop and articulate their essential skills Why essential skills matter to employers How data informs the narratives around essential skills