COMPUTER AND SOFT SKILLS AS PREDICTORS OF CAREER PROGRESSION

Abstract

Soft skills are critical to career advancement, effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, interpersonal relations, and collaborative working. The main objective of this research was to explore the role of computers and soft skills predictors in developing career readiness at the university level. The present study used a mixed-methods research design, and the population of this research comprised all students and teachers in all universities in Punjab, while the accessible population of the study was comprised of all students and teachers in the University of Okara. A sample of 300 students and 50 teachers was selected through a convenient sampling technique. The cross-sectional survey was used to collect data through questionnaires and focus group interviews. SPSS-20 was used for quantitative analysis, and NVivo was used for qualitative data analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to determine qualitative and quantitative results. The major findings of the study provide insights into theories about the importance of competencies for career development. According to the interviewees, there is a strong sense of the central role of computer literacy in professional development. Emphasizing their perceived importance in today’s workplace, a significant majority (87.3%) strongly agreed or agreed that strong computer skills are necessary to advance their careers. These findings emphasize the importance of effective communication, teamwork, problem solving, and flexibility in the workplace.