Articles
Value of Soft Skills Increases in
Today’s Career Marketplace
By Keith Hatschek, Director Music Management Program –
University of the Pacific
Two recent graduates with nearly identical experience and academic
achievements apply for the same job. Ken has always been a ‘straight A’
student, and has patiently relied on his quiet, studious manner to eventually
make an impact with professors and work supervisors. Eileen, also an
academic high achiever, has supplemented her class work with an array of
experiences including student government, community service, club
leadership and drama work, that has allowed her to develop an impressive
mastery of the so-called ‘soft skills,’ which has resulted in the job offer being
tendered to her in this scenario.
Soft skills are a collection of interpersonal, communication, and business
skills that are increasingly prized by today’s employers. Employers frequently
cite ‘strong written and oral communication skills’ as one of the most
important attributes a new hire can posses. Unfortunately, traditional higher
education has not viewed developing such skills as part of the mission of the
academy. Instead, the focus on developing a student’s ability to master
knowledge in a specific discipline has been the focus of most college
programs. Measuring learning outcomes has focused to a great degree on
quantitative measurement of student knowledge. How can educators balance
the needs for intellectual development in a student’s discipline while also
providing the necessary training to build soft skills?
Building Soft Skills
At University of the Pacific, we have endeavored to incorporate ongoing work
that allows students to strengthen their soft skills, while demonstrating their
knowledge and mastery of the Music Management field. Student work that is
designed to help them grow their soft skills include:
• Oral, in-class presentations with and without computer aid
• Team-based project work
• Simulations and problem-solving activities
• Students required to teach a lesson on a specific topic
• Peer review of classmate’s written work
• In-class debates
• Criticism of articles, films, or essays
Such work develops improved oral communication skills, critical thinking and
the ability to work effectively in small groups; many of the most important skills
cited by hiring managers across a variety of fields. Additionally, many of our
students get involved in a student-led Music Management club, while others
participate in fraternities and sororities, both of which enhance student soft
skills. Student internships and fieldwork within the music industry further
enhance a student’s soft skill portfolio.
Today’s Career Marketplace
By Keith Hatschek, Director Music Management Program –
University of the Pacific
Two recent graduates with nearly identical experience and academic
achievements apply for the same job. Ken has always been a ‘straight A’
student, and has patiently relied on his quiet, studious manner to eventually
make an impact with professors and work supervisors. Eileen, also an
academic high achiever, has supplemented her class work with an array of
experiences including student government, community service, club
leadership and drama work, that has allowed her to develop an impressive
mastery of the so-called ‘soft skills,’ which has resulted in the job offer being
tendered to her in this scenario.
Soft skills are a collection of interpersonal, communication, and business
skills that are increasingly prized by today’s employers. Employers frequently
cite ‘strong written and oral communication skills’ as one of the most
important attributes a new hire can posses. Unfortunately, traditional higher
education has not viewed developing such skills as part of the mission of the
academy. Instead, the focus on developing a student’s ability to master
knowledge in a specific discipline has been the focus of most college
programs. Measuring learning outcomes has focused to a great degree on
quantitative measurement of student knowledge. How can educators balance
the needs for intellectual development in a student’s discipline while also
providing the necessary training to build soft skills?
Building Soft Skills
At University of the Pacific, we have endeavored to incorporate ongoing work
that allows students to strengthen their soft skills, while demonstrating their
knowledge and mastery of the Music Management field. Student work that is
designed to help them grow their soft skills include:
• Oral, in-class presentations with and without computer aid
• Team-based project work
• Simulations and problem-solving activities
• Students required to teach a lesson on a specific topic
• Peer review of classmate’s written work
• In-class debates
• Criticism of articles, films, or essays
Such work develops improved oral communication skills, critical thinking and
the ability to work effectively in small groups; many of the most important skills
cited by hiring managers across a variety of fields. Additionally, many of our
students get involved in a student-led Music Management club, while others
participate in fraternities and sororities, both of which enhance student soft
skills. Student internships and fieldwork within the music industry further
enhance a student’s soft skill portfolio.
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