Being smart, especially in your college experience, isn’t just about grades. The people who thrive in academic settings (and later, in their careers) are the ones who know how to show up, speak up, and step in when it counts.
That doesn’t mean being the loudest in the room or taking over every group project. It means building soft skills that aren’t technically listed on your transcript but speak volumes in the real world.
From navigating group work to presenting in front of a class, every experience is a chance to build the kind of personal presence that people remember. The best part? You don’t need a title or a perfect GPA. All you need is to practice.
Let’s break down why it matters, and how to start developing it now.
The Skill Employers Always Look For (Even if They Don’t Say It Out Loud)
Employers care about technical know-how, sure. But when it comes to hiring, soft skills carry serious weight. According to a 2024 report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 91% of employers consider problem-solving and the ability to work in a team as key abilities in candidates. Close on their heels, though, is initiative.
And that’s no coincidence. In today’s workplaces, people are expected to collaborate across teams, take ownership of projects, and handle ambiguity with a level head. These aren’t skills you cram for the night before. They’re built over time, and college is the perfect training ground.
If you’ve ever been in a group project where someone had to take charge and move things forward, you’ve already seen this in action. It’s not about bossing anyone around, but stepping in with clarity. You’re the one who organizes the next step and keeps everyone moving toward a common goal.
That’s initiative.
That’s leadership, even if it doesn’t come with a label.
How Schools Are Getting Involved
More schools are beginning to understand that personal growth is academic growth. That’s why programs and majors across fields are embedding opportunities for students to strengthen these skills.
Not as side lessons, but as part of the core experience.
Take communication-focused workshops, peer-led tutoring, and project-based learning models. These aren’t just new trends. They’re methods grounded in research to develop solid leadership skills in students. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that experiential learning environments improve critical thinking and interpersonal confidence in students.
And it’s not just in business or public speaking courses. Even in clinical fields, like nursing, these skills are being treated as essential. For example, an online DNP leadership program gives nursing students the ability to lead care teams, manage crises, and communicate with empathy in high-stakes environments.
According to Baylor University, the flexibility of online learning also gives nursing professionals the freedom to learn while they work. They also get to apply new skills immediately and see the full impact of leadership in action.
The point here is this: these skills matter in every field, not just corporate boardrooms.
Ways to Build Soft Skills at School
The good news is you don’t need to wait for a formal opportunity to start growing. Here are a few simple, practical ways to begin flexing your initiative muscle and collaborate with confidence on campus:
Join a student organization or club
Not just as a member, but by volunteering to plan an event or coordinate something behind the scenes. Even small efforts sharpen your ability to manage tasks and work with others.
Speak up during class discussions
Even if it’s just to ask a question or add to someone else’s point. Practicing your voice builds presence.
Offer to lead part of a group assignment
Whether it’s organizing the schedule, drafting the outline, or editing the final version. Leadership shows up in how you help things run smoothly.
Be hungry for feedback
Insights from professors or your fellow students after a presentation are a great help. Reflect on what went well and what could improve, because this builds self-awareness and resilience.
These small moments add up. They help you learn how to navigate different personalities, manage responsibilities, and build trust. These are all skills that employers (and future coworkers) will value in the long run.
The Bottom Line
Anyone can develop a strong sense of direction and initiative. It’s not about charisma or confidence you’re born with, but rather a set of habits and choices you practice over time. It doesn’t matter if you’re studying science, literature, engineering, or art… Becoming someone who steps up and supports others will always set you apart.
