Perceptions of Soft Skills by Former Technical College Business Education Students and Their Employers

This research study was to determine the perceptions of soft skills of former Office Systems Technology (OST) students at Drake State and the employers’ perceptions of soft skills of former OST students. This study was also designed to determine whether former business students perceived their soft skills competencies as directly linked to the business program they completed at their college. The perceptions of soft skills are important, and the ability to demonstrate soft skills competencies is evidence of preparedness in a workplace setting. Daniel Goleman (1995) emotional intelligence theory provided the theoretical framework for this study. This study was conducted using a methodological triangulation design. The research study consisted of a three-part analysis: a survey of both former OST students and employers, interviews with only the employers of former OST students, and a focus group with the former OST students. This study supported what previous research stated about employees needing soft skills to be successful in the workplace. It brings to the forefront the importance of these soft skills: communicating ideas effectively, showing initiative, adapting to news situation/ being flexible, working with a team, practicing work ethics, showing good character, organizing, and other skills identified in this study