October 2, 2024
In today’s competitive job market, standing out among the crowd of applicants can be a challenge. However, understanding what employers are looking for can significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job. A recent survey of employers and business leaders reveals that soft skills are at the top of the list for hiring managers when seeking new talent.
Conducted by The Business Journals between August 5 and September 6, 2024, the survey asked employers across various industries about the qualities they value most in prospective employees. Respondents represented a broad range of sectors, from Professional and Technical Services to Real Estate and Entertainment, with businesses of different sizes and revenue streams included.
The results were clear: 78% of employers consider soft skills to be extremely valuable in new hires, while 93% believe soft skills are at least somewhat valuable. When asked to specify the most important attributes in a candidate, 65% of respondents ranked synthesis and collaborative skills as top priorities.
This focus on interpersonal abilities aligns well with the approach of the WebMBA, a program designed to nurture these essential skills through collaboration and teamwork.
The WebMBA provides a unique opportunity for students to cultivate or sharpen the social skills critical for success in modern workplaces. From the moment they are admitted, students are grouped into teams with their peers—much like new employees entering a job. These teams start with little knowledge of one another, fostering an environment where collaboration and relationship-building are key to achieving success.
“With the WebMBA, students have the unique opportunity to practice forming high-functioning teams, practice real-world applications while they’re learning in their classes, and learn from some of the best MBA instructors in the state, all of whom are recognized experts in their field,” says WebMBA Lead Dean, Dr. Allen Amason, Dean of the Parker College of Business at Georgia Southern University.
Throughout their academic journey, students work closely with their team, honing their ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. This process begins at orientation, where students meet their teammates for the first time and are equipped with the tools to navigate different perspectives, engage in productive communication, and provide constructive feedback.
But the development of these skills doesn’t stop there. The WebMBA continuously reinforces teamwork and communication through regular team evaluations. Each semester, students are asked to assess their team’s performance, make adjustments, and revise their team contracts as needed. This process allows students to address real-world challenges within the supportive environment of academia, preparing them to navigate similar situations in the workplace.
“Evaluating themselves and their team gives students the opportunity to put what they’ve learned into practice and work through the process of forming an effective team in a safe, low-stakes environment,” says WebMBA Teaming Director Dr. Deborah Roebuck. “Repeating the evaluation process each semester helps students see how their team evolves over time and allows them to see the progress they have made as a group.”
By maintaining a strong focus on teamwork and communication throughout the program, the WebMBA equips future leaders with the skills to collaborate effectively, regardless of the industry they choose to pursue. This not only meets the needs of employers but also sets graduates up for success in their careers.
The WebMBA is an AACSB-accredited, team-based Master’s in Business Administration consortium online program. Seven colleges of business from the University System of Georgia work together to deliver the WebMBA. The consortium includes Augusta University, Columbus State University, Georgia College & State University, Georgia Southern University, Kennesaw State University, University of West Georgia, and Valdosta State University. The WebMBA admits students from anywhere in the world with no out-of-state tuition for Fall and Spring semester starts. Students complete the program in five consecutive semesters. To learn more about the WebMBA, visit https://www.webmbaonline.org.
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