On May 24, 2015 The Detroit Free Press published the article “Soft skills help set candidates apart in job search”, written by Susan Rickers. The article highlighted soft skills employers are looking for in today’s job market. Winning Futures mentees have the ability to list these skills as well as explain activities they have completed throughout the program to give concrete examples. Listed below were the top five soft skills employers look for:
- Strong work ethic
- Dependability
- Positive attitude
- Self-motivation
- Team-oriented
Not only are soft skills a focus at Winning Futures, but the mentees are able to learn by example from the dedicated mentors that come every week to meet with the students. Time and time again students rave about their mentors expressing these skills and stressing the importance. For example a student from Community High School stated, “I have also obtained a lot of skills just knowing [my mentor] for a couple of weeks, my attitude has become positive in every situation, I know how to manage my time, have a flexible schedule and have gained a strong work ethic. Overall I look up to my mentor as a role model.” Students leave the Winning Futures program with not only with the skills needed to succeed but also a role model.