Research on the Level of Soft Skills of the Digital Generation

In the context of constant changes, modern organizations need exactly the π-shaped specialists, whose competence is based on professional specialization, breadth of knowledge in various fields, as well as empathy and cooperation skills. The relevance of modern companies in soft skills of employees is emphasized. It is on them that the emphasis should be placed in the educational programs of universities. However, there are number of problems with the perception of information material by young people. The purpose of the study is to determine the competencies that currently need the most development among university students. The results of testing students’ soft skills using the methods of assessment of emotional competence (COMET), evaluation of VSQ values and social Pattern Variables (Social Pattern Variables), psychological testing MBTI, analysis of creative types and self-assessment of emotional intelligence EQ Hall are presented. The students showed a fairly high level of emotional self-awareness, creativity, practical emotional intelligence, and communication skills. But they lack self-confidence, imagination, and distal vision, which is important for achieving goals, creative ideas, and innovation. Repeated testing showed that the introduction of design thinking into the educational process allowed students to develop soft skills. So, the rationale for the use of design thinking for the formation of soft skills of specialists is given. The main areas of application of design thinking are identified—when creating an innovative product that is in demand by the consumer (Design Service); for improving the organization’s processes and in team building (Employee Experience Management); for personal growth and creativity development “Neuro Design Thinking”. The author draws attention to the fact that at present, when managing personnel, it is necessary to analyze and competently plan the employee’s path in the company—“Employee Experience”. The role of project work during design sessions in obtaining skills of integrative thinking and teamwork skills is emphasized. A project-based approach to training based on design thinking will improve the quality of training, reduce the GAP between the requirements of the labor market and the level of training of university graduates, simplify and speed up the process of adapting young professionals to the workplace, prepare full-fledged members of self-organizing project teams, DevOps teams and flexible organizations.