Soft skills are what make us unique as individuals in several areas of life. However, soft skills are not something that cannot be taught or studied, soft skills must be obtained through experiences overtime. Soft skills can be defined as “non-technical skills that describe how you work and interact with others” (Kaplan).

Through the ups and downs of a college career, driven individuals hope to develop soft skills that will eventually translate into a life-long successful career. Soft skills are crucial for continued success in a desired position. Expertise and knowledge are essential to a position. However, research is showing that the need for soft skills outweighs the need for technical skills to truly be successful. According to the leadership IQ study, “attitudes drive 89% of hiring failures, while technical skills account for only 11% of hiring failures” (Murphy). This statistic is not surprising being that the most successful individuals can appropriately balance their technical and soft skills. 

Through my five-year collegiate experience, I have come to believe work ethic is the number one soft skill that everyone should have. Individuals who have work ethic and those who do not can easily be separated. According to the national society of college and employers, 52.4% of employers are looking for evidence of work ethic in their new hires. (NACE) Out of every soft skill researched, work ethic ranks significantly high on the list. 

Although my parents were always able to provide my wants and needs I was introduced to the power of a strong work ethic at a young age. This work ethic has continued to stick with me my whole life. A strong work ethic isn’t taught by obtaining your first job at a reputable company at 23 years old. A strong work ethic is groomed over the years until you are able to earn success and be successful in a position that you are proud to brag about.

In my experience, the most successful people know how to hustle. I believe I have been able to self-teach the “grind” to myself. Since I was 14 years old, I have always worked two jobs in the summer weeks to save money. This past summer I truly felt that my work ethic was at its peak. I worked my 8-4 internship everyday while working 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. four to five nights a week. I carried my serving job into the school year, working an average of four nights per week during my senior year with a full class load. All the jobs and the craziness of the hustle has made me who I am in terms of work ethic. I am confident when I do have my dream job, this hustle and energy will be right there with me. 

References:

As Their Focus on GPA Fades, Employers Seek Key Skills on College Grads’ Resumes, https://www.naceweb.org/talent-acquisition/candidate-selection/as-their-focus-on-gpa-fades-employers-seek-key-skills-on-college-grads-resumes/.

Kaplan, Zoe, and Rachel Pelta. “What Are Soft Skills? Definition and Examples.” Forage, 4 Feb. 2023, https://www.theforage.com/blog/basics/what-are-soft-skills-definition-and-examples.

Murphy, Mark. “Why New Hires Fail.” Leadership IQ, Leadership IQ, 3 Sept. 2021, https://www.leadershipiq.com/blogs/leadershipiq/35354241-why-new-hires-fail-emotional-intelligence-vs-skills.