Employers Want More Than Just a Diploma: What Are Soft Skills and How to Develop Them?

“I’ll enroll, study, get my diploma, and that’s it—my career begins!” Admit it—this thought might have crossed your mind when choosing what and where to study. But is knowledge and a diploma enough for a successful career? Every year, hundreds of students receive diplomas and enter the job market, so how can you stand out?

Soft skills are essential ingredients for success in the 21st century, both professionally and personally. These skills help you stand out, solve problems, achieve better results, and, of course, build self-confidence. So, what are they, and how can you develop them?

Communication

Why is it important?

• Clear and empathetic communication is the foundation of effective teamwork, alignment with clients, and collaboration with managers. The ability to express your thoughts and understand others helps avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.
• Today, communication is not limited to face-to-face conversations; it also includes polite, clear interactions through emails, social media, and phone calls. Regardless of your business field or position, communication with people is unavoidable.

How to develop it?

• Practice active listening—try to hear not just words but also emotions. For example, during conversations, ask questions that show you’ve truly listened.
• Learn to tailor your message to your audience: are you speaking/writing to a friend or a manager?
• Actively participate during lectures—it’s a great way to improve verbal communication skills.
• Practice writing clear and concise messages (e.g., emails). Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback on your texts and how to improve them.
• Study non-verbal communication—observe body language, eye contact, and tone of voice. These aspects reveal a lot about the other person.

Teamwork

Why is it important?

• One person’s weakness can be another’s strength, which means a team can accomplish tasks that would be impossible or difficult for an individual.
• Diverse perspectives and ideas within a team generate more solutions and help find unique approaches and innovative decisions.
• Teamwork teaches you to trust others’ abilities, accept their decisions, and let go of the need to control everything.
• It helps you learn to express your opinions clearly and respect others’, which is valuable for finding compromises in conflicts and even in personal relationships.
• In a team, you have the opportunity to learn from others, especially if they have different skills or experiences.

How to develop it?

• Participate in group projects and learn to share responsibilities. Don’t try to do everything yourself—trust others’ skills.
• Practice empathy and openness—listen to others’ ideas and suggestions.
• Get involved in volunteer activities at the college: the Student Association, “Profadienis,” various competitions, and other events.
• Spend time getting to know your team members—a stronger bond helps you better understand their strengths and weaknesses.
• Resolve disagreements openly and amicably—listen, understand, seek compromises, and don’t take everything personally.

Critical Thinking

Why is it important?

• Critical thinking helps evaluate information objectively. In the 21st-century world, filled with misinformation and AI tools, this skill is indispensable.
• It encourages deeper analysis of complex situations, identification of problems, and making informed decisions at work and in everyday life.

How to develop it?

• Ask yourself questions: “Why is this important?” “Are there alternative solutions?”
• Spend more time assessing the situation before making a decision.
• Analyze real-world problems or cases related to your studies or work. Ask questions like “What other possibilities exist?” “What could I do differently?”
• Dedicate time to reading and analyzing news or articles. Look for diverse opinions and sources, and evaluate facts critically.
• Actively participate in discussions during lectures where you need to justify your opinion and respond to arguments.
• Reflect after making significant decisions: what worked well, and what could have been done differently?

Emotional Intelligence

Why is it important?

• Recognizing your own and others’ emotions helps build strong relationships, manage conflicts effectively, and better understand colleagues.
• Emotional intelligence also aids in managing stress, staying motivated, and adapting to changes.

How to develop it?

• Practice self-awareness—notice how you react to stress or conflicts.
• Develop empathy by trying to see situations from others’ perspectives.
• Practice observing your emotions: when you feel frustrated or irritated, take time to name and understand the reasons behind these feelings.
• Learn to ask empathetic questions to understand how others feel (e.g., “Why do you think you feel this way?”).
• Manage stress through mindfulness or meditation—it helps you respond consciously rather than impulsively to emotions.
• Compliment others and express gratitude—it fosters a positive atmosphere.

Creativity

Why is it important?

• Creativity isn’t just for artists. This ability, inherent in everyone, helps generate new ideas, solve problems, and adapt to unexpected situations. Employers are looking for people who can come up with innovative solutions to traditional challenges.
• Creativity is also the foundation of innovation and competitive advantage.

How to develop it?

• Try new activities that push you out of your comfort zone, such as cooking, music, or even cold-water swimming.
• When faced with a problem, write down as many ideas as possible, even if they seem illogical or funny—creativity often arises from freedom to experiment.
• Read about innovations and new approaches to problems in your field—it might inspire fresh ideas.
• Play creative games, complete creative tasks, or participate in brainstorming sessions that encourage you to seek unexpected solutions.