Life skills are lessons for life

She had finished her engineering in computer science but had not managed to land a job worthy of her skill set, she thought.  She was constantly reminded that “software companies were not hiring” and was almost ready to give up the hunt after a two-month lull.

When a close friend suggested that she enroll for a month-long soft skills programme, she questioned the need for a training of this kind. And here's what she understood.

Life skills are non-technical skills and competencies that help individuals deal with everyday challenges effectively. These challenges need not necessarily pertain to only the work space. Hurdles with communication and decision making may be improved with the help of a life skills programme.

In India, with more and more companies beginning to show signs of disappointment with new recruits, it is time to address the need for graduates to be "made" employable, say experts. Potential employers not only look for sound technical skills but are constantly evaluating candidates on a number of soft skills by conducting aptitude tests, group discussions, monthly assessment reports, interviews, etc.

Some of the general soft skills include:

*Effective communication skills
*Decision making and problem solving skills
*Critical skills and creativity
*Interpersonal relationship (IPR) skills
*Team work and team building
*Negotiating skills
*Coping and self-management skills (anger, time and stress management)

“As a professional from the IT Industry, I realised that a majority of graduates are technically qualified but are not employable as they lack certain skills like effective communication. I then interacted with the industry and identified the areas which were then incorporated and designed as a workshop for students,” says Swaminathan, director, Asktenali, Chennai.

By honing a few of these soft skills, it has been proven that there is a marked difference in job performance and overall personality development. Life skills help individuals face the challenges and demands of everyday life, thus enabling them to lead a fulfilling and happy life.

While experts argue that these skills are important for those wishing to be successful in both their personal and professional lives, educational institutions can conduct these programmes for students of any discipline.

There are over a thousand engineering colleges in India that churn out more than a lakh of graduates every year. While colleges take the responsibility for the academic score card and nothing more, the industry feels that these skills must be incorporated in the curriculum.

“According to a a recent NASSCOM report, 70% of engineers are unfit to work. The main idea behind a life skills camp is to produce young leaders who will be considered assets to their organisation, not hurdles,” says Arjun Devaiah, a life skills trainer at Abhimanyu Academy for Sports & Youth Excellence.

Adds Swaminathan, “Not only is India competing globally but a large number of corporate organisations are setting up business in India. There is also heavy competition among individuals entering the corporate world. With these skills, employment opportunities are more promising, leading to better jobs and salaries.”
But are life skills limited only to students?

“As a coach, I strongly advocate life skills training for those with several years of experience under their belt too. Teachers should undergo a faculty development programme. There are workshops for educational institutions and corporate organisations that give inputs on goal setting, motivation, communication skills, creativity, positive thinking, leadership skills, etc.”

Some life skills programmes also provide special attention to grooming, business and social etiquette, interview techniques, etc.

Experts, however, say that it is difficult to keep the level of enthusiasm high among students. While they successfully complete one session with much energy and commitment, very few come back for a second session or a follow-up programme.
Karthika Radhakrishnan is now undergoing training with a leading software company in Coimbatore. “There were times when I did question my aptitude and confidence. Not many of us will voluntarily join a programme like this. But I now know that it can make a big difference to who we are. I can also confidently say that I contribute way more to my job than I earlier believed I could.”