Soft Skills in Higher Education: Convergences and Discrepancies between Students and Employers

Abstract

This literature review examines the role of soft skills in higher education and explores the convergences and discrepancies between university students’ perceptions and employers’ expectations in Latin America. These competencies, which include effective communication, teamwork, adaptability, leadership, and emotional intelligence, have become essential for employability and professional success in the 21st century. However, evidence reveals a considerable gap between what students believe they have developed and what companies truly value in recruitment and performance processes. Through a systematic analysis of indexed literature, common patterns across the region were identified: students tend to overestimate their empathy and collaboration skills, whereas employers demand stronger proficiency in problem-solving, critical thinking, and resilience. Moreover, findings show that universities, although acknowledging the importance of soft skills, often address them partially and lack formal assessment mechanisms to monitor progress effectively. The results highlight the value of experiential learning, internships, mentoring, and extracurricular activities as effective approaches to strengthen these competencies. Accordingly, the review recommends their transversal integration across curricula, the training of faculty in active pedagogies, and the implementation of continuous assessment models to ensure a real follow-up of students’ development. By closing the gap between academic training and labor market expectations, higher education can better prepare students for professional challenges while fostering more comprehensive and resilient graduates