Undergraduates must learn to acquire soft skills

By Khairun Nizam Hosen

GOMBAK, 14 March 2015: Undergraduate students from IIUM regardless of their principals, majors or specialisations are expected to be good in soft skills. Besides being excellent in academic field (hard skills), employers nowadays expect graduates who are all rounders and more qualified to handle the job well.

So, what employers are actually looking for are individuals who possess excellent soft skills, apart from academic qualifications.

Most fresh graduates have problems with their communication skills and this would affect them to get their dream job because they would not be able to prove their worth during the interview sessions with employers.

Debbie Hance of the Association of British psychologists said: “Hard skills will enable you to perform well in academic and in interviews, but it’s soft skills that get you the job.”

Based on the above statement there’s no doubt it is important for students to master the soft skills to face job interview right after completing their studies, and to get employed.

There are many ways  for students to improve on their soft skills while studying at the university. One of the ways is to participate in clubs or societies. By involving in the activities of the clubs or societies students will gain exposure on the different leadership and organisational experiences that would be useful to face the real working environment.

Today, IIUM.fm has organised a special training event on public speaking with Ishak Nengah, an expert on Master-of-Ceremonies, to share his experience and exposure with all participants about soft skills. This would certainly benefit students who aspire to be good presenters and announcers.***

Photo taken by Naim Fadhil

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