Importance Of Developing Social Skills In Engineering Students Using Artificial Intelligence

Developing soft skills in undergraduate students can be challenging due to the diverse demands of various environments and the increasing complexity of social interactions. To address this, universities should be encouraged to integrate social skills development programs into their curricula. Some institutions are already taking steps in this direction by implementing programs like educational initiatives and interactive activities designed to enhance social skills. This paper reports on an initiative at a university aimed at improving the social skills of engineering students. Two methodologies were employed to achieve this goal: the PRODIP (Interpersonal Professional Development Program) and a focused academic discipline that emphasizes various social skills. The PRODIP program, which has been running for four consecutive years, involved 52 students in one of its editions. It included 15 sessions per week over a period of 4 months, combining theoretical knowledge with practical training in social interactions. The effectiveness of PRODIP was evaluated by assessing the students social skills before and during and after the program, as well as three months later. The results showed that students improved their social skills, with these gains continuing over time. The program was delivered in two formats: one with three four-hour sessions covering topics like communication and teamwork for 26 students, and another with 15 two-hour sessions. Participants reported that these courses significantly contributed to their transition from student life to professional work environments. The paper discusses the necessity of implementing strategies to enhance students’ social skills and highlights the positive impact of these programs.