Description
Organizations such as Society for Human Resource Management, National Soft Skills
Association, American Society for Quality, and even the U.S. Department of Labor have
produced publications that indicate prospective employers agree that students need more than
just “hard skills” related to academics. Instead of focusing on students meeting only the
academic achievements and requirements needed to graduate with a certificate or diploma,
students need to work toward mastering emotional and social skills such as “soft skills.”
This dissertation aims to explore the significance and potential of developing soft skills in
community college students. Soft skills play a crucial role in the holistic development of
individuals, contributing to their personal and professional success. This research investigated
the current level of soft skills among community college students, identified the specific soft
skills most relevant to their career goals, and proposed effective strategies for enhancing these
skills. Foundational work provided valuable insights into the importance of soft skills and their
impact on the academic, social, and professional lives of community college students. The final
Guide presented here enables community college students to elevate their soft skills, which
employers are seeking in the workforce. This work consists of four parts: (1) background and
rationale for studying soft skills in community college students, (2) defining soft skills and their
relevance in community college education, (3) the Guide produced for students to improve on
their soft skills, and (4) assessment of the outcome in terms of student awareness and in increase
of soft skills in their interactions.
