What kind of skills are today's employers looking for?

Contrary to what you may think, having high-powered technical skills or an advanced and specialized education are not necessarily what it takes to land a good job in today's job market. Here is the list of skills I think that employers look for in a new-hire.

At the top of the list are people who can communicate effectively, think critically and logically, and who continue to learn throughout their lives. Also high on the list are people who can demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviors, responsibility and adaptability. And, finally, employers want people who can work well with others and be productive members of a team. 

If you're a student, every time you solve a math problem, write an essay, learn to use a new computer program, or work on a group project, you are developing skills and attitudes that will help you land a good job someday. That's one reason why high school dropouts have such a bleak employment picture. They don't think what they are learning in school has any relevance to their future needs. But, you see, they're wrong. 

With this new school year, if you're thinking of dropping out, think again.  The schoolwork that seems dumb to you now is really developing skills for later.