Soft Skills Gap Among Young Graduates Raises Concerns in the Business World
A recent report published by the technology-focused education provider General Assembly has highlighted a growing concern among employers: while many young professionals demonstrate strong technical knowledge, they lack essential soft skills that are critical for success in today’s workplace. Skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness are reportedly insufficient among those entering the job market.
International organisations, including UNESCO, have emphasised the importance of these competencies in achieving sustainable development and navigating complex global challenges. Nevertheless, education systems continue to prioritise technical proficiency. The impact of the pandemic, along with market-driven shifts in curricula, has contributed to the marginalisation of the humanities and a decline in human-centred approaches to learning.
Students are increasingly drawn to degrees perceived as “employable” – such as business, computer science, and healthcare. However, these fields often fall short in fostering the interpersonal and reflective skills that underpin long-term professional success.
Experts argue that the solution lies in fully integrating soft skills into education systems. Germany’s dual vocational training model and the mentorship-based programmes at Texas A&M University are cited as leading examples of how to combine academic learning with real-world preparation. In the evolving job market, employers are not only seeking technical competence but also individuals who can communicate effectively, demonstrate empathy, and collaborate meaningfully. The future workforce must be both skilled and human-centred – and education must rise to meet that expectation.
Country: Global Keywords: Soft Skills, Humanities, Technical Education, Workforce