Survey Finds That Employers, Employees Disagree On The Importance Of Professional Soft Skills

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Survey Finds That Employers, Employees Disagree On The Importance Of Professional Soft Skills (NAPSA)—Withthe unemployment rate dropping below 4 percent for the first time since 2000', higher education could help those looking to take advan- tage of record employment.? According to a national survey by University of Phoenix, only 38 percent of U.S. working adults felt very satisfied with their current professional position and 45 percentsaid that they need a college degree in orderto excel? While IT andhealth care are twoof the fastest-growing occupations, creating a demand for those competencies,* the survey found that professional soft skills were cited as some of the most necessary skills for employees to possess. “The survey found that employers emphasized the need for professional soft skills” said Kevin Wilhelmsen, Employers are looking for workers with skills in management,critical king and communication. on practical knowledge rather than research.”7 Wilhelmsensaid that the MBA could help create well-rounded professionals with the skills for multiple industries. To further this point, Monster.com publisheda seriesofarticles explaining program dean, University of Phoenix how the MBAhastransformed the job market. Monstersuggeststhatthereis an increased demand for MBA candidates tent in people management(56percent), possess thatbringan analytical approach School of Business. “Employers are looking for employees who are compecritical thinking (52 percent) and communication (50 percent).”> Despite employers valuing profes- sionalsoft skills, the survey found that most employees felt that those skills had the least impact ontheir ability to enhancetheir career. When asked what skills they found most important, only 31 percentsaid people management,29 percentsaid strategic thinking and 22 percentsaid communication. “People looking to enhance their career through education must deter- mine which program could help them develop or improve professional soft skills while remaining relevant to their career path? Wilhelmsen said. “Manyoftheseskills can be found in the MBA, which often focuses more because ofthecriticalthinkingskills they to improve business processes.* “Tohelp provide the necessary soft skills, the MBA program mustfocus on the competencies that provide a well- rounded, critical thinking professional, in addition to discipline-specific con- tent such as marketing, economics or finance,”hesaid. “If designedto hitthese marks, the MBAcanhelp studentsbuild these skills as they progress through rigorous discipline-specific content and integrative experiences.” University of Phoenix offers a standard MBA that can be earnedin as little as 18 months. The university also provides options that add certificates in accounting, marketing, finance and more. Explore options at www.phoenix. edu. *https//data.blsgovtimeseries/LNS14000000 2https//www. blsgov/news.release/ecopro.nrO.htmm This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalfof University ofPhoenix between November 6 and November 27, 2017among2,011 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, who arefull-time employed in a company of10 employees or more, Figures jor number ofemployees were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with theiractualproportions in the population. Propensityscore weightingwas also used to adjustfor respondents’propensity to be online. “hitps//wwrw.blgov/cohfastest-growinghim “This survey was conducted onlinewithin the United States by Harris Poll on behalfof University ofPhoenix between November 6 and November 27, 2017among2,011 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, who aefull-time employed in a company of10 employees or more, Figures jor number ofemployees were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with theiractualproportions in the population. Propensityscore weightingwas also used to adjustfor respondents’propensity to be online. bid "https//www.monstercom/career-advice/artice/mba.for-career-advancement *https//www.monster.com/career-advice/article/why-companiesprefer-mbas