Technical know-how may open doors, but long-term career success depends on much more. A recent report from the Center for Research and Evaluation at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies showed employers increasingly prioritize essential skills — also known as transferable or soft skills — that help people excel across different industries and roles.
These skills, which include communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, are not tied to a specific profession, making them highly valuable in a rapidly changing job market.
Why do these “soft skills” matter? With automation and technological advancements reshaping industries, the ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, make sound judgments, and adapt to new challenges has never been more important. Developing these essential skills can help job seekers remain competitive, whether they are transitioning careers, looking for a promotion, or entering the workforce for the first time.
Based on job posting data from across the San Diego region analyzed by our center, here are seven of the most in-demand essential skills in today’s local workforce:
Operations and Workflow
Employees skilled in operations and workflow enhance efficiency, streamline processes, reduce waste, and boost overall productivity. They might look for ways to manage tasks more effectively, optimize processes, coordinate teams, prioritize workloads, and implement systems that improve productivity. Key subskills in this area include planning, coordinating, scheduling, prioritization, and administrative functions.
Technological Proficiency
Technological know-how is essential for maintaining a workforce capable of keeping up with rapid advancements in the market. Our report found that employers value technological proficiencies related to Microsoft programs (e.g. Office, Excel, and Outlook) specifically. It also revealed that data fluency and familiarity with coding were key in-demand skills for more specialized roles in the San Diego job market.
Organization and Efficiency
Employers see a better return on their investment when they hire people with a good sense of organization, whether that means efficient scheduling or careful record-keeping and cost control. Subskills like attention to detail, multitasking, time management, and the ability to meet deadlines can all help a business stay on track and achieve its goals.
Problem-Solving
Effectively addressing challenges with speed, creativity, and minimal conflict is a crucial soft skill that enables businesses to navigate obstacles and maintain productivity. Employees with strong problem-solving abilities can analyze situations, identify root causes, and implement solutions that prevent future issues. Problem-solving can involve research, troubleshooting, and critical thinking.
Teamwork
Fostering effective teamwork and collaboration by uniting diverse perspectives can drive innovation, enhance problem-solving, and lead to more informed decision-making. A strong team dynamic not only boosts efficiency but also cultivates a positive workplace culture where employees feel valued and motivated to do their best work.
Leadership
Effective leadership drives an organization’s success and can impact everything from the work environment and motivation of other employees to the direction of the company. But you don’t have to be an executive to be a leader — leadership entails taking initiative, fostering collaboration, and setting a positive example, no matter your role. In-demand subskills of leadership include management, innovation, coaching, accountability, teaching, decision-making, and mentorship.
Communication
Strong communication skills are necessary for effective collaboration and are a cornerstone of successful personal and professional relationships. The ability to convey important information clearly and engagingly is important to employers, whether it takes the form of expressing an idea in a meeting, writing a persuasive email, or having a constructive dialogue over shared goals. Subskills included with communication might be customer service, interpersonal communications, professionalism, verbal and written communication, the ability to give effective presentations, or multilingualism.
Developing these essential skills can help job seekers in San Diego remain competitive in an evolving job market. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current career or explore new opportunities, focusing on these core competencies will position you for long-term success.
UC San Diego Extended Studies offers courses, certificates, and programs to help you upskill. By honing key skills, you can build a fulfilling career that withstands industry shifts and economic changes.
Dr. Josh Shapiro is chief impact and strategy officer of UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies.
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