2019 Charleston Library Conference

Over 70% of Gen Z students report they want to start their own business after graduation. To achieve that career ambition, the majority of these digital native students will be starting out in smaller businesses or entrepreneurial ventures, which have different needs, skill requirements, and diverse economic viewpoints than traditional large corporate environments. What role can the library play to equip students with the foundational skills they need for academic and professional success? Entrepreneurial success depends on understanding business needs surrounding interpersonal, leadership and communication skills across a variety of workplace environments. This session will discuss the real-world professional skills, from data literacy to social entrepreneurship, that are in high demand as students make the transition from campus to career success. • How can the library support the teaching of practical ‘soft skills’ needed for entrepreneurship and business growth at all levels? • What resources are needed to support these essential skills as students’ transition from campus to the workplace? • How to connect the wider campus with business resources?