Critical importance of developing SOFT SKILLS

My teenage daughter is all set to enroll in an undergraduate college. While it's a well-reputed college, I want her to also focus on developing soft skills, which will increase her career readiness. Please advise. - Rima Sharma, Mumbai

- SRIDHAR PALLIA

The myth that a college degree equals work readiness is crumbling. Paper degrees are not an indicator of success or achievement. Real-world and workplace success requires adaptability, emotional intelligence, and self- learning not just good academic scores.

To succeed in rapidly changing 21st-century workplaces, your daughter needs to develop the following skills:

• Adaptability. The ability to adjust to new information, environments, and challenges.

• Problem-solving. Think critically and apply knowledge and learning to solve problems.

• Emotional intelligence. Manage emotions and personal relationships, and develop empathy.

• Self-driven learning. Develop the habit of continuously learning.

• Creativity. Use imagination in practical, innovative ways.

• Collaboration. Work well with others, often across cultures or digital platforms.

These aren't just “soft skills” — they are survival skills in a world where change is constant.