So this is it then, this is the end.

As I write this on my birthday, one can only imagine the mixed feelings and thoughts going through my head. For starters, shouldn’t I be doing something else, rather than penning (or typing as the case may be) out yet another blog post? But this in itself reflects the fundamental essence of ES2007S: this module is important.

A Stanford Research Institute and Carnegie Melon Foundation study found that 75 percent of long term job success depends on soft skills and only 25 percent on technical knowledge (Posthuma, 2002). Additionally, an overwhelming majority (93 %) of HR managers surveyed said technical skills were easier to teach than soft skills.

According to a Job Outlook survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE) in 2008, the top characteristics employers look for in hiring are all soft skills: communication ability, a strong work ethic, written and oral communication, interpersonal skills, and teamwork (Klaus, 2008).

From the above, it’s pretty obvious that the demand for soft skills in the workplace is immense, and surpasses that of actual technical knowledge. But we already knew all that. That's why we're in this course. To put things into relative terms, the life skills taught in ES2007S are well worth the entire sum of my university tuition fees –maybe more.

But ES2007S has been more than just the-most-useful-module-offered-by-NUS; it has been a catalyst for inter-cultural exchanges, for open discussions on the most pertinent issues in society today, an avenue for peer-teaching and learning, plus the sharing of ideas and feedback, a conducive environment for the experiential learning of presentation, corporate writing, interview skills, and above all –a place where I have found real friends. At the end of the day, all I can say is that I have indeed gained immeasurable benefit from this course.

I would like to thank Brad for leading us along on this wonderful journey throughout the semester, conducting the classes with his unique brand of humour and unconventional teaching methods. I would also like to thank Alicia, Alvin, Billet, Elgin, Guo Chen, Nanhai, Shivam, Sylvester, Vinod, Wenlue, Wyhow, Xiaoshi, Xi Xi, Xing Quan and Yanling for being the most supportive, dynamic, cooperative and sincere classmates I’ve ever known here in NUS. In every single class discussion, project group, blog assignment and role-play activity, you guys have made this module truly unforgettable. It has been an honour to be your classmate. Thank you.




References:
1. Klaus Peggy (2008) The Hard Truth About Soft Skills – Workplace Lessons Smart People Wish They’d Learned Sooner. Collins.

2. Posthuma, R.A., F.P. Morgenson, and M.A. Campion (2002) Beyond Employment Interview Validity: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Recent Research and Trends. Personnel Psychology.