Improving Soft Skills and Uncovering the Hidden Curriculum: Report on a Pilot Communication Workshop for Chemistry Students Engaged in Research

Instruction and guidance in soft skills, such as writing and speaking, are important for successful training of the future chemical workforce. Relatedly, accessible knowledge transfer on the "hidden curriculum" is critical for student success─this is especially important for first generation college students, international students, and others who may be less likely to gain this information through informal means. Included in this "hidden curriculum" are details on how to craft successful cover letters, statements, and other application materials tailored to specific job or award opportunities. Here, a two-day workshop for research-active chemistry students is described. The workshop aimed to help address these interrelated needs as students progress through their training program and toward their careers. The workshop integrated active learning, peer review, outside speakers and resources, and extensive discussion, in addition to assigned readings and facilitator presentations. The workshop was evaluated based on voluntary, anonymous pre-workshop and post-workshop surveys. Gains in student self-reported confidence and knowledge of specific key concepts were identified, and the general free-form feedback was quite positive. This report provides an overview of the workshop program and materials, a discussion of the evaluation outcomes, and ideas for future improvements and extensions.