Social skills aren’t an option, it’s a necessity

Ariana Rodriguez | Staff Writer

Here’s the hard truth, our tech savviness doesn’t cover the fact that we lack social skills for the real world. It’s a problem that’s going to hit us hard in our careers if we don’t address it now, while we’re still in university.

We are glued to our screens scrolling through TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and whatever the next big app is causing us to missing out on face-to-face interactions. 

Sure, we can send a perfectly crafted text or meme but when it comes to having a genuine conversation in person, many of us are awkward, uncomfortable and downright clueless. 

This isn’t just about making friends or chatting with classmates, it’s about being prepared for the workforce.

The ability to communicate effectively, read social cues and build relationships is crucial— it comes with the job.

If we can’t handle a simple conversation without looking at our phones or feel uneasy making eye contact, how are we going to navigate the complexities of professional relationships?

If your only experience is through group chats or online collaborations where you barely interacted with your team, you’re going to struggle to make an impression in the workplace. 

Employers want to see confidence and interpersonal skills, not someone who is unable to hold a conversation during the interview. 

Networking is also a massive part of career success. It’s not just about who you know but who knows you and likes you. 

Building a network isn’t something you can do effectively from behind a screen. While you can build connections through LinkedIn, it will never be as effective as building in-person relationships. It requires going to events, meeting people and making an impression. 

If we’re not practicing these skills now in a university that is full of opportunities, when will we? 

FIU offers opportunities left and right from joining clubs, participating in study groups, attending social events and engaging with professors during office hours. These interactions may seem trivial, but they’re building blocks for the professional world. 

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-rounded university experience in shaping your future career.

As the new generation hits the workforce, we have a choice to make. We can continue to stay attached to our screens or we can step out and build the social skills that will set us apart in the workforce. 

It’s time to recognize that being a professional means more than just technical skills; it means being able to connect, communicate and collaborate with those around us. Let’s start now at FIU, so we’re not left behind when it really matters.

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.