Higher education institutions are uniquely positioned to develop individuals who will improve society with their abilities to think critically and solve complex problems. And while their overarching missions vary, most institutions would agree a key role is to help prepare graduates for professional success by ensuring they have the essential competencies they need to flourish. Setting students up for success in the workforce goes beyond conferring a degree, certificate, or other academic credential. It also means ensuring that students can formulate opinions and use written communication to express themselves logically and clearly.

Today’s employers value a wide variety of soft skills. A recent study found that 90% of employers ranked written communication as either “very” or “somewhat” important. Yet, only 44% believed graduates were adequately prepared in this area.

“Ineffective communication will plague students throughout their education and early professional careers,” said Dorian Stone, the head of organizations revenue at Grammarly, an AI-powered communication assistant trusted by over 3,000 institutions. “It can stop them from achieving what they’re capable of and limit their accomplishments.”

There is an evident disconnect between the communication skills employers expect of new hires and what college graduates are bringing to the table. To bridge this widening gap, higher education institutions striving for better student outcomes need to prioritize resources and support to improve students’ writing skills. As students consider their future career paths, here are four reasons impeccable writing skills will help them succeed.

  1. Poor communication has both a reputational and a financial cost.
  2. Workers will increasingly chart a more agile career path.
  3. The professional world will remain digital-first.
  4. Strong written communication is essential in every industry.

Read the full article about improving college students' communication skills at Higher Education Dive.