21st Century Soft Skills
According to business leaders, while the reading, writing, and arithmetic are still fundamental to every employee's ability to do the job, employers view "soft" skills as even more important to work readiness. (U.S. Department of Labor, 2025)
These skills include:
• Professionalism or work ethic
• Oral and written communication
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Critical thinking or problem-solving skills
• Networking
• Enthusiasm
Here is an excellent career site! This career site has great short videos on soft skills. A huge need for adolescents.
RESOURCES
Choose a career from the O*NET resources. You are free to choose any career you have interest in exploring.
National Career Development Association Website
My Next Move
The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Youth with Disabilities
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This publication, designed for youth and the adults who work with them, helps young people make informed decisions about whether or not to disclose their disability and understand how that decision may impact their education, employment, and social outcomes.
The video on Professionalism, Leadership, Teamwork and Networking are all short 2 min videos; perfect for Teens.
REFERENCES
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Careers New Zealand (2025) https://www.careers.govt.nz
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Lyseng, A.M.J., Bernes, K.B., Gunn, T.M. & Ross, S.A. (2016) The importance of career Education in k-12 classrooms: a theoretical review. Canadian School Counseling Review 1(1)
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M, C.M. (2009) The forming of the vocational identity. Buletin Stiintific 2(28)
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Thompson, R. (2016) Using the MBTI in education in the way it was designed. https://ncda.org
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Pang,H., Lam, M., & Toporek, R.L. (2013-2014) Trends in career counseling In higher education: voices of career practitioners in Australia and the United States. Career Planning and Adult Development Journal. Winter pp.12-24
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U.S. Department Of Labor and Statistics (n.d.) Retrieved May 1, 2025 https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/publications/fact-sheets/soft-skills-the-competitive-edge