From Washtenaw Community College to Harvard University, Lourena De Abreu owes her achievements to more than simply good grades.
The opportunity to dig into leadership roles in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the Black Student Union — even the WCC softball team — helped De Abreu sharpen critical soft skills.
Employers say these are more valuable than ever in today’s technology and AI-driven world.
After earning her associate degree and high school diploma from WCC and the Washtenaw Technical Middle College on campus, De Abreu graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Howard University.
This fall she will begin her master’s studies in bioethics at Harvard University. After that her eyes are set on a Juris Doctor degree. Ultimately, she hopes to shape the ethical landscape of healthcare, making a positive impact on medical practice and patient outcomes.
Commonly known as 21st century skills, the soft skills De Abreu began to hone at WCC have proven invaluable tools to last a lifetime.
Leading the softball team, for example, required coordinating, communicating, strategizing, quick thinking and adaptability during games.
Organizing events for students required leadership and creativity. Inside the classroom, problem-solving and communication helped tackle challenging coursework and resolve conflicts within a team project.
“The ability to communicate effectively, solve problems efficiently, and think both critically and creatively has set me up for success in higher education. These skills also give me confidence as I move into my career, knowing I am well-equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” De Abreu says.
According to a LinkedIn Global Talent Trends report, 92% of companies report that soft skills matter as much or more than hard skills in today’s business world. Indeed, other research by universities has found that companies with soft-skills training for employees can boost productivity and retention and deliver major returns on investment.
“It’s the interpersonal, the critical thinking, the ability to problem-solve. The employees who do those things are the employees who are going to excel and be successful managers and attract and retain clients,” says Anne Nichols, Ph.D., Dean of Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences at WCC.
The importance of communication, collaboration and problem-solving is nothing new but in recent years has been emphasized even more with the advancement of technology in the workplace.
WCC’s faculty-led LA Innovate group weaves soft skills instruction throughout course curriculum and class projects and organizes Liberal Arts Week activities. WCC also hosts TEDx events for student speakers.
“The rapid pace of technological advances has put renewed emphasis on transferable skills,” Nichols says. “In the past, many people could learn a single skill and have a successful career for their entire adult life, but that stability is gone. …Many employers are willing to teach new hires technological skills, but they need employees who are both teachable and have leadership potential.”
CAREER SKILLS Q&A
WCC Dean of Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences Anne Nichols, Ph.D., answers questions about 21st century skills and how they help to set up WCC students for success.
Q: What are 21st century skills and why are they important?
A: The name “21st century skills” is a rebrand for what was previously known as “soft skills.” “Soft skills” was originally coined by the military in the 1960s to contrast “hard skills” that involved machinery. Ideally, “hard” and “soft” skills should work together, but over time the two terms came to be seen as mutually exclusive. Additionally, in some sectors, “soft skills” took on a negative connotation, as if it were easier, lazier, or less valuable than “hard skills.” So, a rebrand was needed.
Q: What are some examples?
A: 21st century skills include critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration. They are important in all fields and in all aspects of society. These skills lead to higher quality professional work, healthier relationships and engaged citizenship.
Q: How does WCC emphasize these skills?
A: WCC emphasizes 21st century skills in all of its associate degrees by ensuring that students complete the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA). The MTA is a 30 credit block of general education courses that includes English, communication, social science, and the humanities. The Liberal Arts and General Studies degrees allow students to more fully submerge themselves in these skills.
Q: Tell us about LA Innovate, the group of faculty leaders.
A: They have identified 12 workplace skills very similar to the 21st century skills. I see LA Innovate as both an incubator and a hub: it’s a place where new ideas are first piloted within WCC, and then launched into the rest of the institution for broader implementation. For example, LA Innovate is promoting both projectships (think mini-internships, or projects that help real-world companies) and ePortfolios (a vehicle for students to showcase and communicate their skills).
Q: What skills are employers looking for when they hire?
A: When applying for jobs, the written materials are the first opportunity to showcase communication skills, collaboration, and creativity. What have you done so far, how did you get it done, and what are you capable of doing next? A WCC education will prepare students to answer these questions with concise and compelling language.
Q: Any advice for interviews?
A: Job interviews and job fairs are opportunities to show 21st century skills in action. I can’t over-emphasize the value of good eye contact, a firm handshake, and the right amount of confidence. Most employers want to hire candidates who are competent but not arrogant, and who can answer questions with the right amount of supporting detail.
LIBERAL ARTS WEEK
Liberal Arts Week, to be held October 21-25, is an opportunity to learn how to leverage 21st century skills in professional success.
