Continuing Education Expert Ed Abeyta: The 12 Skills Necessary for Workplace Success. Photo – courtesy of Edward Abeyta ©
With tuition and loan repayments at historic highs, many college graduates find themselves lacking the skills needed for workplace success. Edward Abeyta, PhD, Associate Dean at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies and author of “Reinventing Lifelong Learning,” asserts that higher education must adapt to meet the evolving needs of both employers and employees.
“We need to move beyond traditional education models,” Abeyta says. “Employers are scrutinizing post-secondary credentials and finding graduates unprepared for the workforce.”
Abeyta’s book references a Gallup poll indicating only 14% of Americans and 11% of industry leaders strongly believe college graduates have the necessary skills for workplace success. To address this gap, Abeyta identifies 12 key competencies for student development:
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Research ability
Oral, written, and digital communication
Teamwork and cross-cultural collaboration
Understanding global context
Leadership
Professionalism and integrity
Self-reflection
Career development
Digital information fluency
Civic engagement and social responsibility
Innovation and entrepreneurial thinking
These competencies aim to enhance workforce readiness and bridge the gap between academia and industry. Abeyta’s efforts in promoting workplace success extend beyond the classroom, earning recognition from the UC Office of the President and the California Office of the Governor.
Abeyta advocates for a co-curricular record (CCR) to capture student achievements beyond the classroom, helping students recognize and develop essential skills. This record emphasizes the need for continuous skill enhancement to stay relevant in the workforce.
Lifelong learning is crucial for maintaining a competitive workforce, especially post-pandemic. Abeyta views this period as an opportunity for transformation and innovation in education. He draws parallels to historical renaissances, suggesting that crises can lead to significant advancements in art, science, and education.
“Lifelong learning has never been more important,” Abeyta states. “It helps build the life you want and keep skills relevant.” Universities must support alumni in remaining competitive through ongoing education and professional development, starting with pre-collegiate outreach in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math).
Saddling students with debt undermines the American dream, creating an economic and workplace problem. Bridging the gap between education and industry is essential for addressing this challenge.
