Institutes of Higher Learning Prepares Business Leaders of Tomorrow
Good communications skills have always been the backbone of any business, both within the organization and in the outside world. If you look at any list of essential attributes for prospective employment in every industry and sector, you’ll see good communications skills at the top of the list. Communication has always been an integral part of any coursework. However, as the way we communicate changes so must the way that educational institutions and instructors change the way they teach communications.
Over the last hundred years, we’ve evolved from an industrial-based society to a knowledge- and technology-based society. In the 21st century, there are four essential skills that all of us will need to thrive in an electronic, global environment. Communications and technology are hand-in-glove as the foundation for the development and use of each of these skills.
Critical Thinking
This skill focuses on new ways to solve problems, enhancing and learning to use creativity and new decision-making abilities. Learning advanced communications techniques and technology can help students develop and sharpen their critical thinking abilities.
Collaboration
Working on concentrated collaboration brings life skills, critical thinking skills and technology together to teach the student problem-solving and decision making skills within a group dynamic. Technology also offers a way to share ideas, knowledge and resources over any time or geographic zone in order to reach a common goal or solution.
Technological Capabilities
Information Communications Technology, or ICT, employs the knowledge and use of social media, technological literacy and simulations to model real-world scenarios and events and help students learn to function within electronic environments to contribute to the development of intellectual and social capital.
Life Skills
Life skills encompass career and social development, local and global citizenship and individual and community responsibility. Advanced communications and technology improve life skills by giving the student access to a variety of cultures and viewpoints. Learning about how businesses and societies function in other cultures can provide insight into different problem-solving mechanisms that can broaden the students understanding and offer them a fresh perspective.
The USC MCM is an example of how universities are adjusting their curricula to meet the needs of future employers. Institutes of higher learning are beginning to recognize trends that are more than just passing fads. This keeps course material fresh and relevant and better prepares today’s graduates to become the type of business leaders of tomorrow that we need.