On December 27, the Soft Skills Laboratory at the Institute of Economics and Business was opened. This initiative is part of the Erasmus+ DeSIRe project, aimed at enhancing soft skills development in higher education institutions of Armenia and Georgia.

The laboratory, located in auditoriums F-31 and E-201, aims to foster essential employability skills among students. Auditorium E-201 has been designated as a space for lectures and training sessions, while auditorium F-310 is equipped for scientific research and communication activities.

The Soft Skills Laboratory was conceived to address the growing need for skills such as interpersonal communication, leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving in today’s competitive job market. By engaging in experiential learning, students will develop the confidence and competencies necessary for excelling in professional environments, whether during job interviews or in workplace scenarios. The facility is equipped with an extensive collection of literature, computers, and cutting-edge telecommunication equipment, all funded by the project’s budget and located in room F-310.

The laboratory’s activities will be diverse and targeted at soft skill development. Personality development sessions, modules, and MOOCs will focus on goal setting, SWOT analysis, time management, and resume writing. Communication skills will be enhanced through group discussions, mock interviews, and strategies for articulating viewpoints effectively. Additionally, reading and listening comprehension exercises will aim to improve critical understanding and active listening abilities. Analytical skills will be sharpened with activities centered on data commentary, logical reasoning, and the application of analytical thinking using real-world examples.

Through these activities, the laboratory will aspire to achieve several key outcomes. Students will gain formal workplace communication skills and will improve their teamwork abilities through collaborative exercises. They will learn to master professional language and speech patterns, develop critical and lateral thinking skills for problem-solving, and build confidence for job interviews and professional interactions. Moreover, the laboratory will be committed to refining existing training methodologies and pioneering new approaches to soft skills education.

The establishment of the Soft Skills Laboratory is a significant milestone in achieving the objectives of the DeSIRe project. Even after the project concludes, the facility will continue to support research and
practical activities related to the development of soft skills. The opening was attended by academic staff who have been actively involved in the project.