oft Skills spell student success

Imagine going to an interview for a new job or as part of a university’s application process and being told that because you were late, dressed inappropriately, weren’t paying attention or didn’t give clear answers, that you weren’t selected.

When we go to work or school, we often think about the work that has to be done. Usually this “work” refers to hard skills–those things such as typing, programming, filming, writing, lifting, painting-or the knowledge and skills that are required for a job or school.

Soft skills compliment hard skills. Punctuality, attire, and interacting/communicating are three examples of soft skills.

“If we didn’t have soft skills… we would be as machines, only doing what we are physically… capable of,” said Erica Rae Hinojosa, a sophomore Mathematics Education major, at Palo Alto.

Ruth Ann Gambino, an assistant professor of English at Palo Alto, said soft skills are about “respect for others, respect for the institution and its mission, and respect for oneself.”

Being late can cause unneeded interruptions and distractions that take away from much needed class time. For some instructors, once the door is shut you may not be able to enter the room, so it is very important to show up to class on time. Being on time is just as important when working. Arriving late can show a lack of time management and work ethic.

Though some students may, “you wouldn’t want to come to school in pajamas,” said Antonio Sanchez, a freshman Electromechanical Technology major at Palo Alto.

If a teacher were to dress unprofessionally, the students may not listen to or respect that teacher.The same goes for students. Dressing professionally, or at least respectfully, can make a difference in and out of the classroom for students and teachers.

Karen Martinez, a reporter for Fox 29-TV, said that what we wear reflects whom we work for.

“You want to make a good impression,” Martinez said, “Often that first impression is all you get.”

That “first impression” is true for both school and work. In the business world, a worker is an ambassador of the company they work for. Not only will a boss and coworkers be influenced by our choice of clothing, but those people outside the job will, too. Not just the individual’s reputation and image is at stake, but also the business’.

Being able to communicate well is also important at both school and work. Good communication involves both a speaker and a listener. For the speaker, the responsibility is to speak clearly so that the listener will understand. In addition, the speaker needs to pay attention to his or her body language; sometimes what isn’t said can say a lot more than what is. The listener, also, has just as much responsibility to not just hear, but actually listen to what the speaker is saying.

Dr. Ana “Cha” Guzman, president of Palo Alto, said, “It doesn’t matter if you are a genius. If you can’t be part of a team, motivate others, listen, encourage respect and trust, you will not be successful in today’s society.”