EXPANDING VALUABLE ‘SOFT SKILLS’
Employers look for skills like communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving
At Seneca College, “soft skills” is more than a buzz phrase. One unique degree program is actually enhancing the value of learners’ previous post-secondary education and work experience by focusing on significantly expanding the “soft skills” most valued by today’s employers, including communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving.
“Research suggests that identifiable soft skills and teamwork are keys to advancement in most careers,” says Melanie Rubens, academic coordinator of liberal studies and degree activity at Seneca. “What our credential does in confidence, in potential and in marketability is otherwise often untapped. We are developing leaders who make an impact.”
Through the program, which is offered both part and full time, adult learners can turn a two- or threeyear diploma into a degree in less than four years. This is achieved by leveraging transfer credits to complete the 40-course, plus work-integrated learning experience, degree program. Graduates of a three-year diploma, for example, may be granted advanced standing for a maximum of 20 courses towards the degree.
“The professional program credits students come into the program with, are used as building blocks to the degree,” says Rubens. “That’s the appeal for many people: flexibility is built in.”
That flexibility extends well beyond transfer credits, as students are able to complete the program in a way especially customized for them. In the case of part-time learners, says Rubens, that may mean taking one course per semester. Others, meanwhile, may complete three courses per semester. To accommodate the various commitments of part-time learners, most of who work full-time while attending the program, there is also a wide range of course delivery options. Students are able to attend inperson classes during days or evenings, complete courses in a condensed format, finish other courses online and others still in a hybrid format that combines both in-class and online learning.
“We have a good 60 per cent of courses online and are working to make every course available in an online format,” says Rubens of the school’s dedication to meeting its part-time learners’ needs. “A big part of this program is also advising students about the most effective way for them to complete the degree. We advise them all the way through the requirements by finding out why they are taking the program and where they want to go.”
Because students come into the offering from disciplines as varied as policing, social work, business administration, human resources, fashion merchandising and more, Rubens says core courses cover four main areas: communications, science technology, humanities and social science. The idea here is not to tailor the curriculum towards a particular field but rather focus on universal thinking.
“The point is to understand the topics in a global context while allowing students to bring their own experience into course discussions,” she says. “So, vocational skills are enhanced through courses aimed at developing a different set of skills.”
Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies also leaves room for hands-on learning through a work-integrated learning experience, which sees learners apply their knowledge to the working world and complete a reflective piece, and a capstone research project (akin to a thesis). The capstone project consists of three parts, with students first learning research methods, conducting their research and, finally, compiling the information.
“The capstone merges students’ learning from their vocational area, courses they have completed in our program, experience in industry, and their ability to provide insight from all three areas,” says Rubens. “It is one of the strongest examples of the development of a person, to look at issues academically, research and create an important piece of writing to present to the world.”
Rubens says Seneca’s Interdisciplinary Studies program very much speaks to current needs and develops the type of skills necessary to compete within every area of work.
“This is ideal for people who feel they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity complete a degree because they aren’t able to drop everything for four years,” she says. “We have the infrastructure to advise them on a very personal level and help them to succeed in getting to where they want to go. That’s very exciting.”
For more about the Interdisciplinary Studies degree program offered through Seneca’s part-time studies, visit senecacollege.ca/ce.