Cisco Networking Academy introduces Professional Skills – empowering tomorrow’s leaders

Cisco Networking Academy started with a vision to develop the workforce of the future, one student at a time. Over the years, we have developed and launched technical courses in networking, cybersecurity, data science, and more, turning our vision into a reality.

Technical skills alone are not enough

Problem-solving skills, the ability to work on a team, and communication skills were listed among the top five attributes employers look for on a candidate’s resume in Job Outlook 2023 published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

According to Strategic human resource management (SHRM):

• 97 percent of employers surveyed said that interpersonal skills are either as important or more important than hard skills, and
• 89 percent of employees fail because of a lack of interpersonal skills, such as professionalism or the ability to get along with others.

Additionally, companies are prioritizing candidates that have strong technical and interpersonal skills. Put simply, they want to employ people withwell-rounded skills with the ability to communicate, collaborate, and adapt.

Trent Dorroh, Leader of Cisco’s Talent Bridge Program, focuses on connecting our Cisco Channel Partners and Distributors with a diverse pool of talent. He has deep insight into employers’ needs. We asked Trent what qualities employers look for in candidates.

“We consistently hear that employers want to hire technical candidates who are also well-rounded individuals. They stress the importance of needing collaborative team members who can also effectively communicate both internally and externally. The Professional Skills course package offered by Cisco Networking Academy offers a foundation for these candidates looking to enhance their skills and differentiate themselves.”

At Cisco Networking Academy, we strive to provide educational resources that set up our students for success in the workplace.

This is why we recently released a new category of courses: Professional Skills. Professional Skills are essential interpersonal skills for success in the workplace. Our courses are designed to complement technical training and equip you with skills to thrive in the workplace.

Versatile, practical, and empowering

Our new Professional Skills courses focus on skill-building in three areas:

1. Core Skills: essential skills for any professional, regardless of industry
2. Entrepreneurship: entrepreneurial skills and a solution-oriented approach to problem solving
3. English for IT: English language skills to become proficient in tech phrases and terminology and prepare for the English for IT B2/GST 59-75 certification exam.

This initial Professional Skills release features four courses, with more planned in the future.

Cisco Networking Academy’s new Professional Skills courses are steppingstones to unlocking a student’s true potential. In our fast-paced and interconnected world, the importance of technical and interpersonal skills cannot be overstated. Students and professionals who develop both skills are setting themselves up for success to be invaluable contributors and future leaders.

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