What is surprising is that the companies implementing AI have not erased the need for non-technical (soft) skills — it has increased it. Now more than ever, communication, analytical teamwork, creativity and decision-making are essential complements to technical competency.
“Employers are increasingly seeking students who are skilled in and comfortable with using AI,” said Pam Lyman, the Fox School of Business’ executive director for the Center for Student Professional Development.
“This includes understanding when to use AI, knowing how to develop effective prompts, critically evaluating and responsibly applying AI output, and using AI tools ethically.”
How can students acquire and demonstrate technical and soft skills during the hiring process?
AI fundamentals
Demonstrate your confidence with using AI tools, as well as knowing how AI is being used in the interview process.
Your Next Step: AI is a tool that can support educational learning experiences. For example, BA 2101, a mandatory one-credit Professional Development course for all Fox undergraduate students, incorporates practice writing clear, structured AI prompts to support career exploration, application materials AI Toolkit discusses prompt engineering and highlights prevalent platforms/tools for specific career needs/topics.
Create a list to share with interviewers on how you have used AI tools to solve a specific problem. Were using the tools helpful? How did you evaluate the results? Was the impact on the initial problem solved?
Enroll in one of the many free LinkedIn short courses or certifications in TU Portal to build AI foundational knowledge in your target industry (e.g. data analysis tools, marketing automation).
For those who want to see how AI is utilized in the interview process, students can practice using Big Interview for virtual interview assignments with the AI-powered video feedback feature to review tone, clarify and body language. This can help you improve quickly and objectively.
Adaptability and problem-solving
Thinking outside the box and showcasing how you can come up with creative solutions to problems is a highly coveted skill. In a rapidly changing business landscape, employers are seeking candidates who can adapt and demonstrate how they have found new ways or tools that will solve a problem.
Your Next Step: Highlight your problem-solving and creative thinking skills by developing STAR stories (situation-task-action-result). Work with CSPD coaches or utilize Temple’s Big Interview digital platform to develop those stories.
Get in the routine of creating a STAR story after each problem-solving experience so you can document it while it’s fresh in your mind. This way, you’ll be prepared with specific examples during an interview.
Ability to work in a team
Developing soft skills—like active listening, conflict resolution and navigating transitions—are needed for successful and productive collaboration. These skills are vital components to a team’s success.
Your Next Step: Join a student professional organization (SPO) at the Fox School of Business or another group on Temple’s campus. Once a member of the organization, take it one step further and apply for a leadership role. Immersing yourself in groups of new students from different majors with diverse ideas will allow you to strengthen your soft skills. You will then be able to share how you navigate these situations in an interview.
Communication skills
Written and verbal communication are essential skills for any workplace. Being able to effectively communicate what you need for your role or from your team is paramount. Whether you are typing messages in Microsoft Teams, writing a cover letter or academic paper or giving a presentation—excellent communication across all platforms is key.
Your Next Step: Connect with Temple’s Writing Center for writing and presentation coaching throughout your Fox career. Tutors aim to help you improve not just your grades, but also your skills in tailoring your messages to specific audiences.
You can also enroll in one of the many LinkedIn communication courses in TU Portal—they are free! Many recruiters are working in the digital space using online hiring tools. Thus, the interview process is your time to showcase your communication skills—from your written resume and cover letter to email correspondence with recruiters to an in-person or Zoom interview. These methods allow you to demonstrateyour communication skills, so start practicing interview answers and proofreading your resume.
Initiative
Seek out opportunities that put you in the driver’s seat—whether within the classroom, as a member of an organization or at your job. This will demonstrate your ability to proactively take on extra tasks, anticipate problems, put solutions in action, assist team members and even apply for leadership roles.
Your Next Step: Explore being a Knack Tutor to assist classmates who need help in a class you excelled in. Apply to be a Peer2Peer mentor to help new international students successfully transition to life at Temple. Work with a faculty member conducting research. Join a Fox School student professional organization or become a Wellness Peer Educator. The possibilities on campus are endless!
Mentors
Developing professional relationships can be life-changing. Having a mentor—someone you can learn from, ask questions and exchange ideas with—can be invaluable, not only for your career journey, but also as a source of support and encouragement throughout your academic path. A mentor can help you grow your communication skills and talk through important soft skills like leadership, adaptability and professionalism—ultimately helping you grow with confidence and direction as you prepare for your future career.
Your Next Step: The Fox School sponsors an Alumni-Student Global Mentorship Program for sophomores, juniors and seniors. This academic year-long program is an opportunity to gain career insights, set professional goals, receive actionable feedback and build intentional professional relationships from Fox School alumni prior to graduation. Applications open in the fall.
Ultimately, it is graduates who combine AI fluency with strong human skills that will stand out to recruiters. It’s not about competing with AI—it’s about learning how to work with it in ways that amplify your unique strengths.