If not, then you’d better work on the softer life skills because that’s what employers value in their staff.

This was the message from the panel that gathered at the last WIT*e – Inspiration & Mentoring to discuss new skills needed in the travel, tourism and MICE industries.

Ian Wilson, regional vice president and general manager at The Fairmont Singapore said what he was looking for were core skills such as “leadership, the ability to communicate, the ability to execute and get things done.

“You must also have the proven ability to learn and learn quickly. In hospitality, you have to be a sponge because you are constantly learning everyday.

“Yes, you may have insights in social networking but the lifespan of that information is extremely short. It’s hot for a year and then it’s not. So you have to be constantly learning.”

Robin Lokerman, managing director of MCI Asia Pacific, said he’d take personality and attitude over skills. The skill that’s hardest to find right now is “community management” – the ability to translate a two-dimensional environment to a three-dimensional one. “We are looking for people who can do that.”

Most of the panelists advised the students to not just get an education in school, but get an education in life. Take part in extra-cirricular activities, for example.

Andrew Chan, CEO of TMS Asia Pacific, said, “Go travel”, and said he was amazed that he’s met travel agents who’ve never travelled.

He travelled for four months after school and learnt more about the world than he ever did in school, he said. Plus, you also learn about yourself and develop the confidence that employers look for.

For full discussion, watch video