BASE, Introducing World’s First University Ranking In Soft Skills

In collaboration with VANCOUVER STUDENT EVENTS, BASE is pleased to introduce the world’s first university rankings in soft skills. This pioneering initiative begins in British Columbia, Canada, commencing by ranking 16 post-secondary institutions in the collaboration skill category.

Explore the Rankings

Schools ranked (alphabetical order):

• British Columbia Institute of Technology
• Camosun College
• Capilano University
• Douglas College
• Emily Carr University
• Justice Institute of British Columbia
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Langara College
• Simon Fraser University
• Thompson Rivers University
• University of British Columbia
• University of Northern British Columbia
• University of the Fraser Valley
• University of Victoria
• Vancouver Community College

These rankings result from a comprehensive analysis of university students’ soft skills, assessed using cutting-edge AI algorithms. The foundational data for this assessment is drawn from the interactions among thousands of university students within the BASE platform.

In the coming months, we plan to expand our efforts by publishing soft skill rankings across ten distinct categories, covering over a hundred post-secondary institutions in more than five countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Korea, and Japan.

WHAT ARE SOFT SKILLS?

Soft skills, also known as interpersonal skills or people skills, are a set of personal attributes and abilities that relate to how individuals interact with others, communicate effectively, and work well in various social and professional contexts. These skills encompass non-technical, personal qualities and behaviors that help individuals navigate and succeed in the workplace and in their personal lives.

EXAMPLES OF SOFT SKILLS

Soft skills include communication, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, problem-solving, time management, emotional intelligence, and other attributes that contribute to effective interpersonal relationships and personal growth.

IMPORTANCE OF SOFT SKILLS

While technical or hard skills are important for performing specific job tasks, soft skills play a crucial role in overall workplace success and effectiveness. Here’s why they are essential:

• Effective Communication: Soft skills such as effective verbal and written communication are vital for conveying ideas, collaborating with colleagues, and ensuring clear understanding of instructions and expectations.

• Teamwork: The ability to work well with others, resolve conflicts, and contribute to a positive team dynamic is essential for achieving common goals and maintaining a harmonious work environment.

• Leadership: Even for non-managerial roles, leadership skills are important for taking initiative, motivating others, and contributing to the success of projects and teams.

• Problem-Solving: Soft skills related to critical thinking and problem-solving help employees analyze challenges, make informed decisions, and find creative solutions.

• Adaptability: Soft skills related to adaptability and flexibility are necessary in today’s rapidly changing work environments, where employees must adjust to new technologies, processes, and roles.

• Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing one’s emotions, as well as effectively handling the emotions of others, is critical for building positive relationships and resolving conflicts.

• Time Management: Efficiently managing one’s time and priorities ensures that tasks are completed on time, improving productivity and reducing stress.

• Customer Service: In roles that involve direct interaction with customers or clients, soft skills such as empathy, patience, and effective communication are essential for providing excellent service and resolving issues.

• Conflict Resolution: Soft skills in conflict resolution help prevent workplace conflicts from escalating and foster a more harmonious work environment.

• Networking: Building and maintaining professional relationships is vital for career advancement, job opportunities, and gaining insights from others in the industry.

In today’s work environment, employers often place a strong emphasis on hiring and retaining employees with strong soft skills because they contribute to a positive work culture, better customer service, effective teamwork, and employee satisfaction. Soft skills not only enhance job performance but also play a significant role in career growth and personal development.

It’s essential to acknowledge that these rankings are the first of their kind, in early stages of development and are not without limitations. They are intended for informational purposes only. They are based on the data available within the BASE platform, which may have limitations. Therefore, readers are encouraged to interpret the results with caution, recognizing that they represent a snapshot of soft skills assessment and may not reflect the complete picture. For a detailed explanation of our methodologies and disclaimers, please visit here.