Musings of an Old Chemist

A Chemist's Perspective on the Habits and Skills STEM Students Need For Success

Author: olde chemist

  • Introducing Essential Skills: Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

    Introducing Essential Skills: Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

    The terms “hard skills” and “soft skills” were first used by the U.S. Army in the early 1970’s to distinguish between technical and interpersonal abilities (Britannica Money, 2025). The term “soft skills” is specifically attributed to researcher Paul G. Whitmore, who used it in a 1972 U.S. Army training conference (MDPI, 2023; PMC, 2023).

    You’re presented with and expected to learn and master a great deal of technical information (hard skills) in your STEM coursework and on-the-job training. These “hard skills” are the specific, teachable abilities related to your particular field of interest. And while that know-how is important, it’s not the only thing that matters. Instructors tend to focus so heavily on teaching the technical aspects (computer programming, data analysis, math, and scientific principles) that they tend to neglect or overlook equally important soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, leadership, perseverance, resilience, problem-solving, and time management. 

    Soft skills, like hard skills, may be developed through practice, self-awareness, training, and experience. These four are essential for your success: practice (you must make an investment in time and effort), self-awareness (recognize your strengths and weaknesses, your goals and aspirations), training (throughout your career there is a need for continuing education), and experience (success does not happen overnight, it accrues over your lifetime.)

    Commentary

    Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn many skills, from operating and maintaining advanced analytical instrumentation to chemical applications development to curriculum design. Yet, I did not develop the foundational “soft skills” I needed to be successful. Yes, I had the communication skills; I could sell ice cubes to an Eskimo, as one of my administrators used to say, I was passionate about solving problems, and I excelled at critical thinking. But no one had discussed with me, so I never truly developed or practiced the skills of perseverance and resilience. Nor did I recognize the dangers of my pride and the importance of humility. The lack of these traits caused me to struggle, to alienate the people I worked for and with, and when things got tough, to give up and switch directions, never accomplishing what I intended to do. Additionally, I was not introduced to the concept of self-awareness until late in life, a skill that would have assisted me greatly throughout my career.


  • A Lifetime of Learning

    A Lifetime of Learning

     

    Definition: Student

    A student is someone who is actively engaged in learning. This learning can take place in a formal educational setting, like a school or university, or in informal settings. In essence, a student is someone who is actively seeking knowledge and understanding.

    (“Gemini 2.0” 2024)

    No matter how old you are, whether you’re in middle school, high school or college, you may even have graduated and started working in your chosen field, the information and techniques discussed in this blog are universally applicable. You are always a student.

    For example:

    Perhaps you embrace lifelong learning – actively seeking knowledge and understanding, driven by curiosity and a desire for growth. You enjoy and thrive on the continuous nature of learning. You seek new experiences, ask questions, and are always looking for opportunities to learn and develop.

    Perhaps you are on a journey of self-discovery – learning is not just about acquiring information; it’s also about self-awareness, understanding yourself and your place in the world. Exploring your interests, values, and potential. Being open to new perspectives and willing to challenge your assumptions.

    Perhaps you embrace challenges and setbacks, actively confronting life’s difficulties and placing value on the lessons learned from making mistakes. You see these challenges as opportunities for growth, requiring you to be resilient, adaptable, and willing to learn from your experiences.

    Perhaps you are a problem-solver – life is full of challenges, and learning is often about finding solutions. You’re someone who approaches challenges with a growth mindset and a willingness to learn. You see problems as opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge, and they persist until you find solutions.

    These are just a few ways to think about “student” beyond the traditional classroom setting. Remember, the most important thing is to have a curious mind and a willingness to learn, no matter where life takes you!

     

  • The Essential Question

    The Essential Question

    How do we prepare ourselves to address life’s challenges?

    Throughout my posts I will attempt to identify and describe in detail the answers to the following questions:

    What are the attitudes and personality traits crucial for your personal growth and success, regardless of what your definition of success may be? While everyone describes success differently, whether it is how much you make, what your job title is, or how much your name is recognized, it is your attitude and personality traits that provide the foundation for your achievements.

    What are the rewards of being resilient and persevering through all the trials you will face in life?

    And, how do all these pieces fit together?

  • Why Do I Have to Learn This? I’ll Never Use It.

    Why Do I Have to Learn This? I’ll Never Use It.

    By our very nature, we are inquisitive – always asking “why?”; usually in response to being asked or told to do something. Have you ever asked the question:“Why do I have to learn this? Or, “Why do I have to do this?” I’ll never use it.” I know I did, more than once. Rarely are you given a reason why it is essential to understand the information presented in your high school or college courses and how it relates to what you want to accomplish in life. Sometimes, the answer is simple: you need to know it for the next test. But other times, there are deeper reasons. For example, learning about history can help us understand the present. Learning about science helps us make informed decisions about the world around us and how systems work together. And learning math teaches us to think logically and solve problems in our everyday lives.

    Speaking from experience, there is a great deal of information taught in your math and science classrooms, the facts, figures, formulas, dates, and names, you will never use again – whether you intend to go to college or not. And don’t think you will stop asking this question once you decide on your career path – there will always be a training session you don’t want to attend, with more information you don’t see as being vital to you doing your job. It’s a never-ending cycle. What if I told you that the challenges and struggles you face in your classes, more than content knowledge, are vital to your overall growth as a student and will positively impact your success in any career you choose? Content knowledge measured by test scores and grades may or may not be your ultimate objective; that depends on your priorities. I believe what’s truly important and what we sometimes fail to realize is that the “process of learning” equips us with the “tools” for our success.