Good Grades Alone Are Not Enough: Students Need to Develop Soft Skills for the Workplace
KARAWANG — Good academic results are an important asset for university students. But when they enter the workforce, grades alone may not be enough. Students also need to be able to communicate ideas, work with others, manage their time and find solutions to problems that do not always have clear answers.
These demands are among the challenges students need to prepare for, including students at Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) in Karawang. The professional world assesses not only what people know, but also how they apply that knowledge in dynamic work situations.
At university, students are accustomed to studying theory, completing assignments and taking academic assessments. The workplace, meanwhile, presents a wider range of challenges. People need to communicate with colleagues of different personalities, adapt to change and make decisions when problems arise.
Technical skills, or hard skills, therefore need to go hand in hand with non-technical skills, or soft skills. The two complement each other in preparing students for professional life.
Communication and adaptability are essential assets
Communication is one of the skills students should develop during their studies. It is not enough to understand a subject: students also need to explain their ideas clearly, listen to other people’s views and accept feedback without taking it as a personal attack.
These skills can be practised through class discussions, presentations, group work and involvement in student organisations. Such activities offer opportunities to express opinions while also understanding other people’s perspectives.
Adaptability is also becoming increasingly important as technology and working practices continue to change. Companies may adopt new tools, update their systems and alter job requirements in response to industry needs.
Students do not need to master every new technology that emerges. More fundamental qualities are a willingness to learn, the ability to find relevant information and the resilience to persist when faced with something they do not yet understand.
Mohammad Syamsul Azis, head of UBSI’s Karawang campus, emphasised the importance of learning that extends beyond academic activities in the classroom.
“The workplace needs people who can learn and adapt when faced with new problems. That is why students’ experiences outside academic activities also help build professional readiness,” Azis said on Friday (16 October 2026).
Learning to manage time and solve problems
Another challenge is time management. Lectures, assignments, organisational activities and work can all come at once. Without the ability to set priorities, students may struggle to meet their responsibilities effectively.
Developing the habit of making schedules, breaking tasks into stages and avoiding procrastination can help students manage competing responsibilities. These skills are useful not only at university but also when dealing with targets and deadlines at work.
Problem-solving skills also need to be developed through experience. When difficulties arise in a project or group assignment, students can learn to identify the causes, consider their options and choose the most appropriate solution.
These abilities can be honed through university projects, committees, competitions and internships. Such activities give students the chance to learn that solving problems requires attention to detail, communication and a willingness to assess the approach taken.
Kohar Hanapi, a student at UBSI’s Karawang campus, said he had also experienced the challenge of managing his time.
“I only realised how important time management was when I had to balance coursework with other activities. That taught me to set priorities and not put off my work,” Kohar said.
His experience shows that soft skills often develop through everyday habits. Time management, for example, is not acquired simply by understanding the theory; it also requires practice while handling several responsibilities at once.
Work readiness starts during university
Preparing for the workplace does not have to wait until students have completed their studies. It can begin by taking on responsibilities, participating actively in discussions, joining projects and trying new experiences relevant to their chosen fields.
For students at UBSI’s Karawang campus, academic work and activities outside the classroom can provide opportunities to develop their abilities gradually. Knowledge gained through their studies provides a foundation, while experience helps them understand how to apply it in real situations.
Through learning and the range of experiences available during university, UBSI’s Karawang campus — known as the Creative Digital Campus — says it continues to encourage students to develop both their academic potential and practical skills relevant to industry needs. Prospective students can find more information about its courses and learning environment on the official website, bsi.ac.id.