“Enhancing Communication Skills among University Students: A Study on Proficiency, Demographic Influences and Curriculum Integration”

Abstract

Employers often report that graduates entering the workforce lack essential soft skills, particularly communication skills, despite possessing adequate technical knowledge. This gap highlights the need for higher education institutions to systematically integrate communication skill development into their curricula. The present study evaluates the proficiency of final-year students at Galgotia University, examining oral, written and social communication skills and exploring how demographic factors influence these competencies. Using a structured questionnaire validated through expert review and pilot testing, data was collected from 200 randomly selected students. Statistical analysis using SPSS revealed that students demonstrated relatively high levels of proficiency in verbal and written communication, negotiation, cultural awareness and feedback skills. However, disparities were observed based on demographic factors such as gender, field of study and level of education. The findings suggest that while students possess moderate to high levels of communication skills, there remains a need for structured, experiential and industry-relevant training to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional expectations. Recommendations emphasize the inclusion of real-world communication scenarios, collaborative projects and peer-review activities to enhance communication proficiency. By prioritizing communication skills development, universities can better prepare students for success in competitive and dynamic professional environments.