Who Won the U.S. Presidential Debate?

Despite ongoing worries about how artificial intelligence will affect jobs, research shows that employers increasingly value something that only human workers can provide—soft skills. These include knowing how to communicate with co-workers, put others at ease, and navigate conflict.

However, these essential skills are often neglected in traditional higher education. Colleges' and universities' primary focus is to teach students how to become experts in their fields, but they often fall short in preparing students for the social and emotional demands of the workplace.

This disconnect is not a minor oversight. It's a fundamental flaw in how colleges and universities equip young professionals for success. At best, it creates a communication gap between younger and older workers. At worst, it impacts young workers' job performance as well as their mental health as they struggle to prove themselves.

A case study

Let me introduce you to a young woman whom I taught. Let's call her Emily to protect her privacy. She represents the qualities and challenges that many employers have observed in their new young hires.

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