How to Develop Soft Skills While at University: Practical Tips for International Students
Soft skills like communication, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving could be described as the "glue" that holds a successful career together. For international students in Australia serious about their future professional paths, these skills are not just desirable—they are essential.
Yet, students sometimes aren’t aware of the importance of soft skills or they face challenges developing these abilities. Sure, time at university is about focusing on the studies and doing things that young people like to do like spending time with friends.
But your time at university is also a prime time to start developing those skills that employers are looking for in young graduates. This article provides hands-on tips on how you can develop some of the important soft skills while still enjoying university life.
Why Soft Skills Matter
Employers consistently rank soft skills as some of the most important attributes in a new graduate. According to a relatively recent LinkedIn survey, 90% of executives consider that soft skills are more important than ever. Why? Because soft skills enable effective collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability in a fast-changing world. Without them, even the most technically skilled graduates may struggle to thrive in the workplace.
University is the perfect time to build these skills. You have access to diverse opportunities and resources that can prepare you for professional life. The earlier you start, the more confident and capable you will be when entering the job market.
Step 1: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
It is natural to want to surround yourself with friends from your own culture, especially when studying abroad. However, growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Here are some practical ways to challenge yourself:
Join clubs and societies
Many Australian universities have clubs for nearly every interest, from photography to debating and public speaking. Joining a club gets you to meet new people, potentially from a range of cultural and language backgrounds, and teaches you teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills.
Collaborate on group projects
Instead of sticking with familiar faces, form groups with classmates from different cultural backgrounds. This fosters cross-cultural communication and builds your adaptability. It will also force you to practice your English skills in the course of preparing the group project; when you collaborate with people who don’t speak the same mother tongue as you do, you will not be able to use your native language but have to communicate in English. Which will be great for your English communication skills development!
Volunteer for leadership roles
It can feel daunting or scary to put yourself forward, but you have to start somewhere. Whether it’s being a treasurer for a society or leading a project team, taking on leadership roles helps develop decision-making, organisational skills, and confidence.
Step 2: Improve Your Communication Skills
Clear and effective communication is vital in both academic and professional settings. For non-native English speakers, this can be one of the most challenging areas, but consistent effort makes all the difference. We already covered this point in part when we were talking about joining clubs and societies and collaborating in group projects. But there are many other steps you can take to consciously focus on developing your English speaking and listening skills.
Engage in class discussions
Even if you are the quiet or shy type, it’s good for you to push yourself to take part in lectures and tutorials. Asking questions and sharing opinions will help you build confidence in speaking English.
Use university language support services
Many universities offer free workshops or one-on-one sessions to help improve your spoken and written English. Whatever resources are offered, be sure to take advantage of them. If you cannot find any suitable resources, ask your tutor or the university career centre for advice on how you can go about developing your English language skills.
Practise active listening
Active listening is an integral part of good communication skills (it’s not just about you being a good speaker but also a good listener). Pay attention to what others are saying and respond thoughtfully. This skill is particularly important later on in professional meetings and interviews.
Step 3: Develop Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) involves recognising your own emotions and understanding those of others. It’s a skill highly valued by employers because it enhances teamwork and leadership. Being an active listener is a good start and there are a number of other ways you can develop your EQ.
Reflect on your interactions
After social or academic encounters, think about what went well and what could be improved.
Learn conflict resolution
If a disagreement arises, say, during a group project, or even between your friend group, you can practice staying calm, listening to others, and finding a compromise.
Seek feedback
You can ask your friends, peers, or mentors for honest feedback about how you interact with others and adapt based on their suggestions.
Step 4: Build Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills
The professional world is unpredictable, requiring you to think on your feet. There are many ways you can consciously develop your adaptability and problem-solving skills. The following are just two ways how you can strengthen these skills while still at university.
Work part-time or intern
Real-world work environments are excellent for learning how to deal with unexpected challenges and changes. Internships relevant to your studies and part-time jobs in most areas (but especially in customer service) can teach you great lessons in problem-solving and adaptability.
Take on stretch goals
Set academic or personal goals that push you slightly beyond your comfort zone, such as completing a challenging project or organising an event. You can go back to the beginning of this article to re-read our tips on joining clubs and collaborating on projects.
Step 5: Manage Your Time Effectively
Balancing study, group projects, internships, work, and social activities is a challenge, but time management is one of the most valuable skills you can develop, and below you can find three ways to help you improve your time management skills.
Use a planner
Keep track of deadlines, social events, and personal goals in a physical or digital planner.
Prioritise wisely
Focus on activities that contribute to your personal and professional growth. Partying can be fun and hanging out with your friends is important, but don’t let it dominate your time.
Review weekly
Spend time, say 10 minutes, each week evaluating how you used your time and identifying areas for improvement.
The Benefits of Developing Soft Skills Early
It’s important you make a conscious effort to develop your soft skills. The sooner you start, the better. If you use your time at university wisely, and start building not only your academic and technical skills but also those much sought-after soft skills, you will reap the benefits later. You will:
- Increase your employability
- Feel more confident in professional and social settings
- Be better prepared for the challenges of living and working in Australia
Final Thoughts
University is more than a stepping stone to a degree; it is a time to invest in yourself. By stepping out of your comfort zone, improving communication, building EQ, and balancing fun with growth, you can gain the skills that will make you stand out to employers. Remember, the habits and abilities you cultivate now will shape your future success.
More on the topic: What Employers Look For in New Graduates