From Classroom to Career: A Practical Communication Skills Toolkit for Undergraduates

Abstract

Effective communication skills are essential for undergraduate students as they transition from academic environments to professional careers. This study reports on the development and evaluation of a communication skills toolkit for undergraduates, designed to enhance students’ communication competence. A total of 32 psychology students were actively involved in conceptualizing, designing, and producing the toolkit, which included modules on verbal, non-verbal, written, and digital communication, as well as active listening and professional etiquette. The toolkit was then implemented with a sample of 156 undergraduate students from diverse disciplines, who engaged with its activities and resources. Participants subsequently provided feedback through a structured survey measuring their perceived improvement in communication skills, knowledge, and preparedness for the workforce. Results indicated that the majority of respondents reported a significant increase in their understanding of communication principles, confidence in applying these skills, and perceived readiness for professional interactions. The collaborative creation process also provided the psychology students with experiential learning opportunities, reinforcing their own communication and project management abilities. This initiative demonstrates that a peer-developed, discipline-informed communication skills toolkit can serve as an effective, engaging, and scalable approach to bridging the gap between academic learning and workplace demands. The findings underscore the value of integrating student-led resource development into higher education as a strategy for fostering transferable skills.