What Skills Do College Students Lack?
Everyone. Welcome back for another deep dive with us. And, today, we're looking at something that's, especially if you're a parent, helping your kid get ready for college. Yeah. Those essential skills that really make a difference beyond just grades Yeah.
Speaker 1:And navigating college life and beyond.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's interesting because we're seeing a real shift
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:In what employers are looking for now. It's not just about, you know, technical knowledge. It's those soft skills that are becoming increasingly valuable.
Speaker 1:Yeah. And that's exactly what, this article, What Skills Do College Students Lack Mhmm. Really digs into. One statistic that really jumped out at me was that 73% of employers say that communication skills are absolutely essential, but you know these skills are often overlooked both by students and in, like, traditional education.
Speaker 2:It's almost like a hidden curriculum, isn't it? These essential skills that are so crucial for success, but often aren't explicitly taught or emphasized.
Speaker 1:Exactly. Yeah. So the article highlights 5 key skills, time management, critical thinking, communication, financial literacy, and adaptability and resilience. And I think for any parent listening, these probably hit close to home.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Let's take time management, for example. Think about the transition from high school to college. Suddenly, your child has so much more freedom and flexibility, but also the responsibility of managing their own schedule. That can be a huge adjustment.
Speaker 1:Yeah. I can imagine it's a bit like being thrown in the deep end of the pool Mhmm. And having to learn to swim quickly.
Speaker 2:That's a great analogy. And for parents, it can be. A delicate balance
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:Between offering support and allowing your child to develop Yeah. That independence.
Speaker 1:So true. And the article emphasizes that. Time management isn't just about avoiding late assignments. It's about reducing stress, feeling more in control. And ultimately, you know, being able to actually enjoy the college experience.
Speaker 2:And that's where those practical tips come in. Things like using a planner, breaking down tasks Mhmm. Into smaller chunks, prioritizing what really matters. These are skills that can benefit, not just in college, but throughout their life.
Speaker 1:Right. It's about setting them up with those tools for success. Yeah. Now let's dive into critical thinking. This one feels particularly relevant in today's world where we're constantly bombarded with information.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And the article points out that critical thinking is becoming increasingly essential in the workplace, in fact. A staggering 60% of employers say new grads lack these skills. It's not just about absorbing information. It's about analyzing it, questioning assumptions, and forming your own informed opinions.
Speaker 1:Oh, 60%. That's a real wake up call. It really highlights that critical thing. It isn't just an academic skill. It's a life skill.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Think about how much information, your child encounters on a daily basis Yep. From social media Yep. To news articles to marketing messages. Being able to critically evaluate that information is crucial for making informed decisions, avoiding manipulation, and navigating a complex world.
Speaker 1:It's almost like a superpower, isn't it? The ability to sift through all the noise and find the truth.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And it's something that parents can help foster by encouraging curiosity, asking open ended questions, and creating a space for respectful debate and discussion.
Speaker 1:Those are great tips. It makes me think about those, you know, dinner table conversations where you challenge each other's perspectives and really dig into the why behind things.
Speaker 2:Yes. Those are such valuable learning moments, and they can help equip your child with those critical thinking skills that'll benefit them in all areas of their life.
Speaker 1:So speaking of navigating a complex world, let's talk about financial literacy. This is one skill I think a lot of parents Mhmm. Worry about as their kids head off to college.
Speaker 2:Yeah. I agree. It's a valid concern. The article points out that many college students aren't prepared to manage their finances independently, and that can have some pretty serious consequences.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. Yeah. We're talking about, you know, potential debt Yeah. Overspending, and just a lack of understanding about how things like credit cards work and loans can be a recipe for disaster.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And that's where, you know, those open and honest conversations with your child become so crucial. It's not always easy. But talking about budgeting and saving and responsible spending, it's one of the most valuable gifts you can give them.
Speaker 1:It's like equipping them with a financial toolbox. Right? Yeah. Giving them those essential skills Tempted. To navigate the financial realities of adult life.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And it doesn't have to be a lecture. It's about finding those teachable moments, like when your child gets their first part time job or starts thinking about
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Opening a bank account.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Those are great opportunities to have those conversations. And, the article even suggests involving your child in some of your own financial decisions, like planning a family vacation or discussing household expenses.
Speaker 2:That's a great idea. It gives them a real world understanding of how money works and the importance of making, you know, informed decisions.
Speaker 1:Now we've talked about time management, critical thinking, and financial literacy. Let's circle back to communication, which the article really emphasizes as a must have skill for college and beyond. Remember that statistic? 73% of employers say it's essential.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And it's fascinating as well. Communication is so fundamental to human interaction. It's often assumed that. Students will just pick it up along the way.
Speaker 2:But, you know, effective communication, whether it's writing, speaking, or even just active listening, those are skills that can be honed and developed.
Speaker 1:And college offers so many opportunities to practice those skills, from class presentations
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:To group projects, to even just those late night dorm room debates. It's like a constant communication boot camp.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And I think it's important to remember that communication isn't just about being articulate or persuasive. It's also about empathy, active listening, and being able to understand and respond to different perspectives.
Speaker 1:It's about those nuanced aspects of communication that can really make a difference in building relationships. Yeah. Resolving conflicts Yeah. And collaborating effectively.
Speaker 2:And parents can play a huge role in encouraging those skills. Simple things like having family dinners where everyone shares their day or encouraging your child to participate in Extracurricular activities that involve public speaking or teamwork, those can all contribute to building strong communication skill.
Speaker 1:I love that. It's about creating a culture of communication within the family.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Now the last skill we haven't touched on is adaptability and resilience. And this one's particularly relevant as we think about the challenges and uncertainties young people face today.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. College is a time of Mhmm. Immense change and growth, and it inevitably comes with Yeah. You know, it's fair share of setbacks and curve balls, being able to adapt to new situations, bounce back from disappointments, and persevere through challenges. Those are essential skills for navigating not just college, but life in general.
Speaker 2:Yeah. The article talks about how college is almost like a crash course in resilience. You're constantly encountering new environments, new people, new expectations, and sometimes things just don't go as planned.
Speaker 1:Right. There could be those moments when Mhmm. Your child fails a test, misses a deadline, or experiences a personal setback. And it's how they handle those moments that truly defines their resilience.
Speaker 2:And it's important to remember that resilience isn't about being tough or never showing weakness. It's about having a support system, knowing how to ask for help, and having those coping mechanisms that allow you to process those difficult emotions and bounce back stronger.
Speaker 1:I think that's such a valuable lesson for parents as well. It's about modeling that resilience ourselves. Mhmm. Showing our children that it's okay to struggle, to make mistakes, and to ask for help when we need it.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. And creating a home environment where it's okay to talk about challenges, to express emotions, and to seek support when needed.
Speaker 1:So we've covered these 5 key skills, time management, critical thinking, communication, financial literacy, and adaptability and resilience. And we've seen how. These skills are crucial, not just for academic success, but for navigating life's complexities and achieving those big dreams.
Speaker 2:You know what's really struck me is that these skills aren't just about checking boxes or getting into a good college. They're about, you know, setting our kids up to thrive in the world, whatever path they choose.
Speaker 1:Yeah. You hit the nail on the head. The the beauty of these skills is that they're transferable. They're applicable to any field, any career, any life situation. They're the foundation for lifelong success and happiness.
Speaker 2:And it's never too late to start developing them. Right? Whether your kid is in middle school, high school, or already in college, there are always opportunities to learn and grow.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. And it's not just about formal education either. These skills can be nurtured through everyday experiences, through conversations, through challenges, through those moments when things don't go as planned. It makes me think about, you know, those times when things got tough for me in college. It was those moments that forced me to develop my resilience, my problem solving skills, my ability to adapt.
Speaker 2:Yeah. I think back to my first part time job. I was terrified of dealing with customers, but that experience pushed me to develop Yeah. My communication skills and my confidence. And those skills have served me well throughout my career.
Speaker 1:It's almost like those challenges become our greatest teachers, isn't it? They force us to step outside.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Our comfort zones Mhmm. And develop those essential skills that we didn't even realize we needed.
Speaker 2:Right. And it's a reminder that growth and learning are lifelong journeys. There's always room for improvement no matter what stage of life we're in.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. And as parents, we can be those guides and supporters along the way. Okay. We can create those opportunities for our kids to practice these skills. We can have those honest conversations.
Speaker 1:And most importantly, we can model those behaviors ourselves.
Speaker 2:Because, you know, our kids are watching us. They're learning from our actions, our reactions, our ways of handling challenges and setbacks.
Speaker 1:And by embracing those opportunities for growth ourselves, we're not just setting a good example. We're also equipping ourselves to be better parents, better mentors, better humans.
Speaker 2:So as we wrap up this deep dive, I think the key takeaway is that these seemingly soft skills are actually the hard skills of life. They're the foundation for success, happiness, and fulfillment.
Speaker 1:And they're something we can all cultivate no matter where we are on our journey. Absolutely. Well, that's it for today's deep dive. Thanks for joining us.
Speaker 2:Thanks, everyone.
