In today's labour market, how you work with others matters just as much as what you know. This is where soft skills come into play.
But what exactly are they, and how can you develop them during your university years?
Soft skills are those interpersonal and cognitive skills that you don't necessarily study from a textbook. These include communication, teamwork (yes, those mandatory group projects), problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking or even time management, which, is a very useful skill right before the exam period.
You might be a total pro at Excel or know the most complex statistical formulas by heart, but if you can't clearly communicate your thoughts to your team or completely freeze during a presentation, you're going to have a hard time. Companies today are looking for people who are great to work with, who are adaptable and who don't panic when something doesn't go according to plan.
The best part is that at UPFBE, you pick up these skills almost effortlessly during your projects. But if you want to consciously step up your game in this area, the CareerPoint is the best place to go, as they provide completely free soft skill development opportunities.
What can you choose from?
Super workshops: They regularly hold free training sessions in both Hungarian and English. Whether it's about time management, learning methodologies, stress management or even how to communicate professionally at the university and in your career.
Mentoring and coaching: If you feel a bit lost or want to get to know your own strengths better, you can ask for personalized support in English. This helps a lot with self-awareness and polishing your skills.
Career counseling: If you are already thinking about entering the labor market, the CareerPoint gives you a concrete compass for that, too. They offer English-language guidance to help you figure out how to showcase these amazing competencies on your CV or at an interview so that you are guaranteed to be the top candidate.
So, the next time you roll your eyes at another group project or feel nervous before standing up to present, remember that you are actively developing your soft skills.
Nagy Virág