HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPEVINE: OUR NEW ABNORMAL
Today won’t be about arguing whether education policy and curriculum choices should be focused on STEM (Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), or whether we should favor STEAM (add Arts and Architecture). My own background would always uphold the value of the Arts; but I do acknowledge that in today’s workplace, career choices that will pay more and be more stable with a distinct career path, will gravitate towards those with technical skills. And I say this in the real-life context of my three sons (now 31, 28, and 23 years old respectively), and the first jobs they acquired.
For me, it’s evident that whether STEM or STEAM, the recognition that we’ve grouped together distinct but related technical disciplines is of the essence as we guide the next generation as to what field to major in, and what to pursue professionally. The incursion of science and technology into our everyday life grows exponentially year after year, and as a member of the senior citizenry, it’s often hard to catch up with what’s the next big thing.
Like I’m made to understand that the kids today are crazy about Bondee, the new “It” metaverse app, developed by Singapore-based Metadream. With the use of a personalized avatar, one “bonds” with friends, via chats, updates of status, and designing your own space. More than any mobile phone Memoji, the Bondee’s customizations are crazy; and these include clothes, accessories, and pets. So it’s about creating virtual “barkada” moments and memories. And of course, my point is that it’s tech – and if it really goes through the roof, you can imagine how much Ka-Ching Metadream will be making, and how they’ll be dreaming of that golden corporate buyout.
Reaffirming the value of soft skills. From Linked In.
The essential point I’m making today is that while technical skills are, and will be, of the utmost priority in the current job market; several workforce solutions firms are also recognizing how soft skills have grown in importance, as these soft skills can be used across industries and can be applied in a variety of job roles. As such, they complement one’s technical skills and knowledge – and can often be the factor that puts an applicant into a class of her, or his, own.
What are these soft skills? The ones that these workforce solutions firms identified as the skills most coveted by the global giants with their “dream jobs,” are: 1) critical thinking and problem-solving skills; 2) leadership skills; and 3) emotional intelligence and maturity (sense of responsibility). And you can say that those don’t sound too difficult to possess, but don’t be surprised by the variance between how one perceives one’s self, and how others will perceive or score you on these soft skills.
One reference’s perceived Top 10 Soft Skills; in this case, Enterra Solutions
And the jury is out on what, across the board, are the most important or highly valued soft skills. As included under soft skills, but not mentioned in the list of three above, are communication skills, time management, situational awareness (flexibility), listening skills, transferable skills, work ethic, team work, empathy, conflict resolution, negotiation skills, positivity, decisiveness, and self-motivation.
From the compendium of soft skills listed in the previous paragraph plus the three identified by the solutions firms, you’ll glean that depending on the industry one works in, and the specific job description, which skills are of paramount importance will vary. It’s definitely not a “one size fits all” situation, and how well-honed one can be in a particular soft skill may not count for much in one’s actual job, as it may be the other ones that carry more weight.
Here's an example of situational awareness: If you’re presenting to a company whose customer demographic is predominantly male, do you highlight the fact that the website’s followers skew to the female audience? Or if it’s a luxury real estate company, do you really have to list all the assets of the media platform if they include online magazines that cover agriculture or young fashion? You don’t waste the time of the executives you’re presenting to with irrelevant information.
And that's just an example of how situational awareness comes into play. Another industry or context, and the examples will be very different. But it just goes to show how developing these soft skills are brought about by experience and being open to socialize and interact regularly, and being mentored. Nowadays, it’s not enough to just have a wealth of technical skills. Will talk about the other soft skills in the weeks to come.