An interactive workshop hosted on Feb. 19 at TCC’s South Campus taught students how to apply soft skills in the workplace.
Monica Miranda, a career services supervisor at TCC South Campus, led students through a collaborative group activity where they talked through three workplace scenarios and learned how to use soft skills such as teamwork, communication and adaptability. Students were also given the opportunity to role-play these scenarios with Miranda and get further advice on these skills.
“One of our goals for this workshop was for students to have a better understanding of what soft skills are,” said Miranda. “I think a lot of times they don’t realize that they already have them and that they’re using them.”
Miranda worked with students to identify and define the soft skills employers are seeking, while providing real-life examples and advice for job interviews.
“The soft skills are what they’re looking for,” said Miranda. “They already know you have a degree.”
During one role-play scenario, students were asked to navigate a conflict between two co-workers. The activity encouraged students to practice communication and leadership skills while maintaining a professional attitude.
For one student, the workshop offered a new perspective on leadership and helped him feel capable of asking for help during difficult moments.
“One thing that surprised me was learning to ask for clarification from leadership when I don’t understand something,” said Gavin Leveritt, a second semester entrepreneurship major. “I never felt comfortable doing it before, but now I feel more confident approaching group settings.”
Miranda said that time management and communication are some of the most common soft skills students struggle with, yet some of the most essential.
“One of the biggest things we see problems with is time management, prioritizing those deadlines and making sure that you get your work in on time,” Miranda said. “Show that you’re reliable, manage your time effectively.”
For Bill Cao, a business major in his final semester, the workshop helped emphasize the importance of these skills as he prepares to enter the workforce.
“I joined this event to learn more about soft skills, especially communication and time management,” said Cao. “The most helpful part was learning how to communicate effectively and solve problems before they escalate.”
Miranda said that learning one’s soft skills will not only shape how students perform in their future careers, but also how much they will enjoy doing so.
“It doesn’t really matter how much money you make if you go to work and you hate being there,” Miranda said. “You have to know your strengths and make sure the job fits who you are.”
