US Internship - Your American Dream : Understanding Power Skills: Their Importance and Growing Demand Among Employers

Discover the Importance of Power Skills and Their Growing Demand Among Employers

Emotional intelligence. Communication. Problem-solving. Active listening.

These are the traits that nine out of ten recruiters are desperately seeking in their future workforce. Yet, a recent survey revealed that more than 75% of students feel they aren’t developing these critical skills during their time at university.

Power Skills. You might know them as "soft skills," which include teamwork, collaboration, agility, communication, and creativity. But today, they’re increasingly referred to as power skills, and the term is well-deserved. These abilities are essential for leadership roles, used to make key decisions, resolve conflicts, and navigate workplace challenges. In fact, research from Harvard Business Review shows that when companies search for a new CEO, they prioritize candidates with strong power skills.

As the workplace continues to evolve rapidly, driven by advances in technology and shifting expectations, it’s clear that global companies are prioritizing graduates who possess these vital skills. To prevent a widening skills gap between academia and industry, universities must offer experiential learning opportunities that help students build these capabilities—preparing them to be lifelong learners in the process.

In this post, we will explore:

A comprehensive guide to power skills
Why power skills matter to employers
How universities can equip graduates with these skills
The importance of being a lifelong learner—and the benefits it brings

What Are Power Skills and How Do They Differ from Soft and Hard Skills?

The term "soft skills" has been around for decades, describing attributes such as:

Communication
Productivity
Leadership
Teamwork
Critical thinking

In recent years, however, these so-called "soft skills" have become the most valued assets for employers and are now often referred to as power skills.

Power skills are the intangible abilities that enhance personal interactions, productivity, and adaptability in various settings. Unlike hard skills, which focus on technical expertise and specific tasks, power skills encompass a wide range of qualities such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, creativity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. They enable individuals to handle complex challenges, collaborate effectively, and lead with empathy—ultimately driving success in both personal and professional settings.

The rise in the value of these skills is due to several factors, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, which transformed the world of work. With the shift to hybrid and remote work and the accelerated adoption of digital tools, companies now prioritize skills that allow employees to navigate change and adapt to new environments.

Moreover, during The Great Resignation, workers increasingly sought better work-life balance, leading to a shift in the types of qualities employers look for—traits like creativity, collaboration, and empathy. As a result, power skills have become essential on job descriptions, with a recent survey showing that 92% of employers now prioritize them over traditional hard skills.

Which Power Skills Are Employers Looking For?

So, what specific power skills do employers want? With automation and AI reshaping the job landscape, many positions have either disappeared or evolved dramatically, making these skills even more critical.

Research shows that only 10% of the global workforce currently possesses the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world. This has led many businesses—especially agile ones—to prioritize power skills over traditional hard skills. In fact, 54% of agile businesses are focusing on developing power skills, compared to just 42% of more traditional organizations.

The five key power skills that employers are seeking most include:

Collaboration
Leadership
Attention to detail
Personal learning
Communication

While these skills can be developed in educational settings, they require adaptability and real-world application. For graduates to truly stand out, they need opportunities to hone these skills in dynamic, hands-on environments. But are universities providing these opportunities?

The Shift Toward Skills-Based Hiring

Given the growing demand for power skills, it’s no surprise that skills-based hiring has become a major trend in 2023. Instead of relying solely on traditional qualifications like degrees, employers are increasingly seeking candidates based on their skills and experience.

This shift allows companies to hire talent that is ready to contribute from day one, bypassing the limitations of traditional hiring processes. A recent survey found that one in four companies now uses pre-employment assessments, and many plan to expand this practice in the next five years.

Major companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are already leading the way by prioritizing skills over degrees in their hiring practices.

Are Graduates Equipped with the Right Power Skills?

Despite the increased emphasis on power skills, many employers are struggling to find graduates who possess these critical abilities. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 75% of employers have difficulty finding candidates with the necessary soft skills.

In the U.S., employers are voicing concerns over graduates’ lack of essential traits such as adaptability, problem-solving, and collaboration. “These things aren’t being practiced by college graduates,” says Jim Link, former CHRO at Randstad North America.

Many students and recent graduates share these concerns. Nearly 50% of graduates feel underqualified for entry-level jobs, and two out of five regret their choice of degree.

Employability is a top concern for students when choosing a university. However, despite this, many don’t take full advantage of career services, and internships are often seen as separate from the curriculum. Could integrating internships into the curriculum be a solution to closing the skills gap?

Closing the Power Skills Gap: The Time to Act is Now

So, how can students and universities bridge the gap between academic learning and the skills employers need?

There is a growing recognition that universities aren't fully preparing students for the workforce. Many students report that they aren’t taught critical skills like time management, problem-solving, or professional communication during their studies—and often only learn these skills during internships or early jobs.

Internships play a crucial role in helping students develop power skills before entering full-time employment. According to a recent survey, 80% of employers say that demonstrating the ability to apply classroom learning in real-world settings is a key factor in hiring decisions.

Fostering Lifelong Learning

As the reliance on technology increases, employers are looking for candidates who can continue to develop their skills throughout their careers. Lifelong learning—self-driven, ongoing education—is becoming an essential trait for the modern workforce.

Lifelong learners are adaptable, innovative, and ready to tackle new challenges. This mindset is not only valuable for personal growth but also essential for career advancement. Employers value employees who are committed to continuous development, with nine out of ten viewing lifelong learning as a critical trait.

Lifelong learning also brings personal fulfillment and confidence. Whether it’s mastering a new technology or learning a new skill, the habit of constant growth makes you more adaptable and competitive.

Universities can support this journey by offering experiential learning opportunities such as internships, co-ops, and project-based learning—providing students with real-world experience and the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing workplace.

Building the Skills That Power Employment for Graduates

Lifelong learners equipped with power skills can drive innovation, contribute meaningfully to their organizations, and thrive in a competitive environment. By integrating work-based learning opportunities into university curricula, institutions can ensure that graduates are prepared for both their first job and a successful career in the future.

Platforms like Virtual Internships can help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, giving universities the tools they need to prepare their students for the modern workforce.

Join us in shaping the future of education and employment—today.