Elevating Your Game: There’s an App/Module/Tool for That

Description

Pfeifer Reitz, assistant teaching professor and CAS 100 coordinator at Penn State Berks, recognizes a gap between “power skills” that employers value, like oral and written communication and adaptability, and how they fit into the rigid academic constraints of STEM programs. Her fellows project will work towards creating a digital “tool kit” that will engage students with specific work designed to improve their soft skills.

“This project is a wonderful opportunity to bridge the educational gap between what students are taught in their STEM curricula and other skills they need to succeed in professional life,” said Pfeifer Reitz. “Along with potential career impact, these ‘power skills’ that our project will promote can help improve student sociability, increase campus engagement, and improve in-class group work.”

Oral and written communication, critical thinking and professionalism are some of the in-demand “power skills” that provide a competitive edge in the professional world. For recent graduates and emerging professionals, those skills can help with mastering elevator pitches and professional bios. This project leverages an informational website and the Penn State Badging platform to develop these skills in complement to traditional hard skills.

Cohort

2020-2022

Focus Area

Student Engagement
Theme: Digital Badges