Harnessing the power of soft skills with postgraduate study
What are soft skills, and why are they important?
In today's competitive job market, having soft skills can give you an edge over other candidates and help you advance your career. Soft skills, also known as social skills, people skills, or emotional intelligence, allow you to communicate and interact effectively with others. It's becoming increasingly important to develop these skills to set yourself apart and succeed in your professional life.
According to SEEK, 64% of employers prefer applicants with soft skills like strong communication, problem-solving, teamwork, planning, and organisation. To help enhance your soft skills—and gain advanced knowledge in your chosen field—the University of Adelaide offers a wide range of programs that provide practical experience, exposure to diverse perspectives, and interaction with experienced industry professionals.
How will a postgraduate degree give me in-demand soft skills?
A postgraduate degree can offer you much more than just academic knowledge. Studying at an advanced level involves significant peer-to-peer collaboration.
You will work alongside students and academics with broad life experiences. You’ll be pushed to articulate and question your ideas, opinions, and assumptions clearly and persuasively, preparing you to communicate more effectively with colleagues, clients and stakeholders. You'll also expand your intellectual horizons by gaining exposure to diverse practices and perspectives, helping you deepen your understanding of yourself and others.
Enhance social skills through effective collaboration and communication
As organisations face new challenges, employers are searching for candidates with strong soft skills to navigate obstacles and lead with purpose. To support students in this area, the University plays a vital role in providing guidance and support to develop their emotional intelligence. Further, postgraduate education provides the knowledge behind those skills, nurturing students’ ability to develop themselves in the future and become leaders in their fields.
"Extensive research suggests that contemporary organisations require leaders to possess four essential capabilities for effective leadership: self-awareness; social influence skills (such as communication and collaboration); self-management and regulation (including emotional and physical health); and strategic thinking. At the University of Adelaide, we prioritise the development of these four dimensions among our postgraduate students, empowering them to enhance their leadership potential and excel in their future careers."
Associate Professor Chia-Yen (Chad) Chiu, Adelaide Business School
Unleash innovation and cultivate critical thinking
The ability to think critically is crucial in today's fast-paced work environment. Employers value those who can analyse complex problems, generate creative solutions, and make informed decisions. Our degrees are designed to nurture your critical thinking skills and promote innovation, enabling you to contribute meaningfully to your field of interest. You'll work alongside like-minded individuals, share your ideas and learn from each other, all while being guided by experienced, expert academics.
Take the next step towards achieving your career goals by enrolling in a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master’s degree at the University of Adelaide. With our focus on developing in-demand soft skills, you'll gain the knowledge, experience, and confidence to excel in any career path you choose. Join our vibrant community of learners and unleash your full potential today!
