Skills 1st Year Employees are Lacking

Recently came across a report from The Conference Board in regards to new workforce readiness listing several skills that first year employees are lacking including critical thinking, communication. and creativity.
Skill Deficiencies included:Written Communications (82 percent) Professionalism/Work ethic (73 percent) Critical Thinking/Problem Solving (69 percent) Oral Communications (51 percent)
By knowing what skill sets first year employees are lacking, students should be encouraged to complete coursework/internships that will help them gain proficiency in these areas. By being able to address these areas as strengths, job-seekers can stand out among other candidates and increase their chance of landing a job.
Other skills the companies stated would be in high demand as the market place shifts to globally include foreign language and leadership skills. Over 60% of the companies expect proficiency in foreign language to increase more than any other skill in the next 5 years. Leadership skills will increase as the older workforce retires and younger employees will fill the leadership positions.
Emerging content areas include entrepreneurial skills, financial responsibility, an health and wellness. These skills include retirement planning, budgeting, stress reduction, and nutrition. These areas are normally not part of mandatory course work, but are very important to work-life effectiveness. These areas can be targeted through electives and lifestyle choices while in school.
It is critical to place emphasis on what the companies are looking for as students navigate through the collegiate process. The goal of most students is to get a job offer upon or before graduation. By researching emerging markets, taking practical courses, and applying for internships, students can rise above their peers and land the job they want even in a tough job market.