The University of Phoenix, in collaboration with Jobs For the Future (JFF), is hosting a free webinar titled “Finding Balance: Hard Skills vs Soft Skills for Professional Growth” on Monday, March 31, at 11:00 AM PDT (12:00 PM MDT, 2:00 PM EDT). The virtual event will explore how professionals can strategically balance technical expertise and interpersonal skills to advance in their careers.
The panel features industry leaders:
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Shannon T. Wilson – Vice President of Information Technology, University of Phoenix
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Marc Booker, Ph.D. – Vice Provost of Strategy, University of Phoenix
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Meena Naik – Director of Field Implementation, JFF
Why This Webinar Matters
As the workplace evolves, professionals must continually enhance their skills. According to the University of Phoenix’s 2024 Career Optimism Index®:
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74% of American workers say they need to learn new skills to stay competitive.
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66% believe they need to improve their skillset to advance.
Workforce research by McKinsey and Deloitte further supports the shift toward skills-based hiring and career development.
Topics Covered
The panel discussion will explore:
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Understanding Skill Types: The distinction between hard skills (technical expertise) and soft skills (communication, leadership, adaptability).
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Strategic Career Growth: How combining technical and interpersonal abilities enhances professional success.
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Current Workforce Trends: Insights into how employers value balanced skill sets.
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Action-Based Framework: University of Phoenix & JFF’s strategy for colleges and employers to support career advancement through professional social capital.
Meet the Experts
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Marc Booker, Ph.D. – Leads strategic academic initiatives at the University of Phoenix, focusing on student experience and learning innovation. Recognized by UPCEA, AACRAO, and Blackboard for excellence in education strategy.
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Shannon T. Wilson – A seasoned technology leader specializing in application engineering, cloud infrastructure, and strategic IT management.
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Meena Naik – An advocate for skills-first career development, focusing on credentialing, skills-first learning, and workforce transformation.
How to Attend
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Date: Monday, March 31, 2025
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Time: 11:00 AM PDT | 12:00 PM MDT | 2:00 PM EDT
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Registration: Free & open to the public
As professionals navigate the changing job market, balancing technical proficiency with interpersonal skills is essential for long-term success. The University of Phoenix & JFF webinar offers expert insights to help individuals strategically develop their skillset for career growth.
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