Top 5 Soft Skills That Communication Students Must Have
Bandung, March 4, 2025 – In a constantly evolving job market, students must develop various skills to remain relevant and highly competitive. According to the World Economic Forum, it is estimated that by 2025, 85 million jobs may be displaced due to shifts in labor distribution between humans and machines. However, even more new jobs—approximately 97 million—will emerge as industries adapt to a more advanced division of labor between humans, machines, and algorithms. As a result, the skills gap will remain significant, and half of all employees will require reskilling.
For communication students, mastering various skills is even more crucial as they will enter a highly dynamic industry. Here are the five essential soft skills that communication students must have:
1. Analytical Thinking and Innovation
Analytical thinking and innovation allow students to observe, research, and interpret problems in depth to develop complex ideas and effective solutions. In the workplace, analytical thinking helps in understanding and breaking down problems in detail, while innovation encourages the creation of better and more creative solutions.
2. Active Learning and Learning Strategies
Active learning involves students actively engaging in the learning process through discussions, collaboration, and reflection, rather than just passively listening. Learning strategies such as time management, effective note-taking techniques, visual learning tools, and a conducive study environment greatly enhance learning effectiveness.
3. Complex Problem-Solving
The ability to solve complex problems is highly sought after in many industries, especially in the communication field, which is full of strategic challenges. According to The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) (2017), problem-solving is one of the top soft skills employers look for. Communication students must be able to understand, analyze, and develop effective solutions for unstructured problems.
4. Leadership and Social Influence
Leadership involves the ability to lead, inspire, provide clear direction, and efficiently manage human resources. Meanwhile, social influence refers to the ability to persuade and shape the behaviors and attitudes of others. This skill requires effective communication, empathy, and negotiation skills, which are essential in the communication industry.
5. Creativity, Originality, and Initiative
The ability to think creatively enables students to generate unique and innovative ideas. Creativity also involves reasoning, association, and reinterpreting ideas in a fresher and more engaging way. Students with high originality can bring new perspectives to academic and professional discussions and take initiative without waiting for instructions.
By honing these five soft skills, communication students will be better prepared to face challenges in the professional world. Don’t wait—start developing these skills now to become an outstanding professional in the future! 🚀
Source:
🔗 World Economic Forum – Top 10 Work Skills of Tomorrow
