How to Prepare for a Career in Optics and Photonics
What soft skills do recent graduates need to succeed in industry?
What soft skills do recent graduates need to succeed in optics and photonics industry? What soft skills are these recent graduates most lacking? To address these questions, SPIE conducted a survey of executives and human resource managers at its industry partners. Examples of soft skills include communication, teamwork, and leadership.
Main findings:
| • | Most employers report that fewer than half of recent graduates are fully prepared with the soft skills required for success at their companies. |
| • | Industry leaders tell SPIE that the most important soft skills for success at their companies are (1) collaboration and teamwork, (2) problem solving, and (3) adaptability and flexibility. |
| • | The soft skills most lacking in recent graduates are (1) project and time management, (2) openness to criticism and responsiveness to feedback, and (3) leadership. |
Soft skills that are most important for success in industry
| 1 | Collaboration and teamwork |
| 2 | Problem solving |
| 3 | Adaptability and flexibility |
| 4 | Communication and presentation skills |
| 5 | Project and time management |
| 6 | Openness to criticism and responsiveness to feedback |
| 7 | Leadership |
| 8 | Ability to influence and persuade colleagues |
Soft skills recent graduates are most likely to lack
| 1 | Project and time management |
| 2 | Openness to criticism and responsiveness to feedback |
| 3 | Leadership |
| 4 | Ability to influence and persuade colleagues |
| 5 | Communication and presentation skills |
| 6 | Problem solving |
| 7 | Adaptability and flexibility |
| 8 | Collaboration and teamwork |
Resources SPIE offers to help hone these skills
- Career resources hub
- Career articles
- Professional development webinars
- Onsite professional development courses at SPIE events
- Use the "Professional Development" filter in the event program to find all offerings.
For more original research on the optics and photonics workplace, visit the SPIE Global Salary Hub.
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