While technical expertise is essential to secure a job in today’s workforce, employers are increasingly vocal that it is no longer sufficient on its own. Employers are placing greater emphasis on soft skills like communication, adaptability, teamwork and emotional intelligence when considering applicants to fill open roles. This is particularly true when it comes to fields in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
According to Holly Mahe, a strategic programs specialist with the College of Business, the modern workplace demands more than technical proficiency.
“Being able to technically understand the formula, write code for the product or design a logo is important,” Mahe said. “But those skills only take you so far if you can’t communicate your ideas, collaborate with others or adapt to new situations.”
What do employers notice first when soft skills are missing?
Mahe explained that many technically strong employees can still struggle when asked to step outside individual tasks and engage with teams, supervisors or clients. Presenting findings, pitching ideas and working across departments all require strong interpersonal skills - skills that employers notice quickly when they’re missing.
“Effective communication, receiving feedback and adapting to a new work environment are often the first challenges employers see,” Mahe said, even among new hires with strong technical backgrounds.
How is the workplace different from the classroom?
The gap between classroom learning and workplace expectations can also catch students off guard. While academic settings focus on building foundational knowledge, the workplace expects that knowledge to be applied, now with the guardrails off.
“Employers are investing in you and the skillset you bring,” Mahe said. “The expectation is that you’re now capable of applying the concepts you’ve learned in the classroom, without much, if any, guidance.”
In technical and safety‑critical fields, soft skills play an especially important role. Clear communication can be the difference between a safety protocol that’s understood and one that’s ignored. Teamwork and emotional intelligence help ensure productivity and reduce mistakes.
“Technical skills allow you to do the job,” Mahe said, “but making sure a safety presentation actually resonates or that a team works productively together - that comes down to communication, adaptability and emotional intelligence.”
Can soft skills be learned?
Despite common misconceptions, Mahe emphasized that soft skills are not fixed personality traits. Like technical skills, they can be learned, practiced, and improved over time.
“Humans aren’t born knowing how to communicate effectively or show empathy,” she said. “Those skills are learned, and the good news is you can develop them at any point in your life.”
What can students do now to improve soft skills?
For students preparing to enter the workforce, Mahe encourages starting early. Practicing interviews, networking and resume writing can help build confidence and familiarity with professional expectations long before graduation.
She also urges students who feel confident technically but uneasy about communication to use college as a testing ground.
“The college environment is a low‑risk, safe place to practice where instructors and professors are here because we want you to succeed. Ask for feedback, join a club, take on leadership roles. These experiences build the skills you’ll need both to land a job and to succeed once you have it.”
“The college environment is a low‑risk, safe place to practice where instructors and professors are here because we want you to succeed,” Mahe said. “Ask for feedback, join a club, take on leadership roles. These experiences build the skills you’ll need both to land a job and to succeed once you have it.”
Ultimately, Mahe’s advice is simple: take advantage of the resources available now. Career fairs, resume services, networking opportunities and soft‑skills courses are often free to students.
“There won’t be another time in your life when so many employers are showing up specifically to meet with you,” she said. “Use these four years to your advantage.”
Mahe leads the Workplace Readiness Bootcamp at the College of Business. Sponsored by Nevada Tech Hub, this is a weeklong, 15-hour deep dive into career readiness and soft skills. The program is free and culminates with mock interviews and networking with hiring managers from some of northern Nevada’s top companies. The next bootcamp takes place March 23-27, 2026. Learn more about the bootcamp or .
