Students and employers perceptions differential on soft skills: An analysis for university students

Abstract

In an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven labour market, the development and assessment of soft skills have gained significant relevance. While higher education institutions (HEIs) play a pivotal role in preparing students for professional challenges, concerns persist regarding the alignment between the skills students develop and those expected by employers. This study investigates whether students’ perceptions of employers’ expectations are aligned with their self-assessments of soft skills, and if those perceptions vary according to gender and level of professional experience. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 384 students from a Portuguese HEI. Results reveal a statistically significant gap between what students believe employers expect and how well they feel they meet those expectations. Gender-based differences emerged, with male students emphasising strategic and instrumental skills, while female students reporting higher confidence in relational competencies. The study also finds that students with higher self-perceived skills are more willing to invest financially in further development. These findings reinforce the need for HEIs to adopt more targeted and inclusive strategies for soft skills development, in close collaboration with employers. The study contributes to the growing discourse on graduate employability and offers practical implications for curriculum design and career readiness initiatives.