b'MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST COMMUNITY COLLEGEDistilling the List Down to Three Essential SkillsAs discussed, the extensive literature review resultedDuring the listening sessions and qualitative feedback in a protracted list of essential skills that are recognizedfrom all stakeholders, two of the items were modified. by several organizations shown in Table 5 (pageInitially, the first survey focused on listening and 18), Attributes of Essential Skills by Organization.speaking to coworker/peers and listening and Focus groups (consisting of students, faculty, andspeaking with customers.That is, the focus was on stakeholders) responded to the initial surveys thatthe target of the interaction (i.e., coworker, peers, resulted in identifying a short list of essential skills.and customers) as opposed to the interaction itself The committee researched and agreed upon this list(i.e., listening and speaking).Through feedback and of essential skills, but after this initial research, thereflection, the QEP Development Committee decided QEP Development Team acknowledged that the listto focus on listening and speaking exclusively to shift was beyond the scope of the success attainable inthe focus to the skill itself (i.e., listening and speaking). this QEP.The general consensus was that furtherTherefore, the second survey focused on listening focus was needed to reduce the number of essentialand speaking to customers and coworkers/peers; skills to manageable, yet significant traits preferredthat is the two variables became the two skills.Figure by businesses when hiring MGCCC graduates. 6 represents a second survey sent to employers in order to distill this list down further.Attendance/Punctuality: Employees are present and punctual.Attire: Employees display an awareness of appropriate, professional attire within specific contexts.Listening: Employees implement effective listening strategies when communicating with customers and coworkers/peers.Speaking: Employees implement effective speaking strategies designed to construct productive, professional relationships with customers and coworkers/peers.Email Etiquette: Employees produce clear and professional emails.Social Media: Employees identify what personal/work-related information should or should not be shared in social media.Rsum: Potential employees design an error-free and appropriate rsum for employment.Interview: Potential employees utilize strategies for successful interviewing.Figure 6.MGCCC Business/Industry Partner Response for the QEP (2nd survey)MGCCC QEP 2019 29'