The conversation at SXSW EDU in Austin featured Amy Gallo interviewing Neda Norouzi, an architecture professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Aimee Laun, director of the Career Connections Center at Texas Womans University. The trio delved into a pressing issue: the disparity between what colleges teach and what modern workplaces demand, alongside the critical role educators, managers, and mentors must play in addressing this gap.

Many young women step into the workforce brimming with potential, having graduated with academic degrees and a sense of self-assurance. Yet, they often lack essential interpersonal skills that are crucial for success and career advancement. These skills can include how to express themselves assertively in meetings, collaborate effectively with authority figures, and advocate for their own needs. This isnt solely a problem for these young women; its a larger societal concern. If educators, mentors, and parents fail to provide the necessary support and guidance, we risk losing out on nurturing the next generation of talented leaders before they even get the chance to shine.

AMY GALLO: You are tuned into Women at Work from Harvard Business Review. Im your host, Amy Gallo.

Reflecting on her own career journey, Gallo recalled her first job as a program manager at a small nonprofit organization. While she excelled in organization and task managementskills honed through challenging university group projectsshe recognized her lack of nuanced interpersonal skills. She struggled with effective communication, such as crafting emails that would persuade others or articulating decisions made by higher-ups to her peers. Gallo expressed a sense of regret that her formal education did not equip her with the tools necessary for navigating workplace dynamics, including the importance of feedback, trust-building, and boundary-setting.

Despite academia's focus on preparing students for careers, a disconcerting gap remains. Research conducted by the Association of American Colleges and Universities in 2023 revealed that employers feel graduates often lack key competencies, particularly in communication and critical thinking. A follow-up survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) in 2024 echoed these findings, raising questions about the effectiveness of current educational frameworks.

Gallo highlighted the urgency of this conversation, emphasizing that if experienced professionals do not guide students about the realities of the workplace, we could risk losing promising future leaders even before they begin their careers. This critical dialogue was chosen as a focal point when Women at Work was invited to host a session at SXSW EDU, an innovation conference dedicated to the education sector.

Whether you are involved in teaching college students, raising one, or managing a newcomer to the workforce, this episode aims to provide insights into the challenges faced by early-career women. It also explores how we can collectively help make these pivotal years more supportive, equitable, and empowering.

The live conversation, conducted in Austin at SXSW EDU, began with Gallo introducing her guests, both based in Texas.

AMY GALLO: How is everyone doing today? Im thrilled to welcome two guests who are deeply aware of the challenges young women face as they embark on their careers. Joining me are Neda Norouzi, an architecture professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, who has helped establish a student-led organization in architecture, and Aimee Laun, the director of the Career Connections Center at Texas Womans University, who is dedicated to preparing women for the modern workforce.

AMY GALLO: Neda and Aimee, what is one essential skill you discovered was necessary when you first entered the workforce, but no one had warned you about it?

NEDA NOROUZI: Growing up in Iran, I was conditioned to be soft-spoken and quiet, which made transitioning to a professional environment in America challenging. It took me time to develop the confidence to speak up during meetings. Fortunately, I had a supportive supervisor who encouraged me to share my ideas, though I still battled self-doubt during those conversations.

AMY GALLO: Did you engage actively during university classes?

NEDA NOROUZI: Not really. I was the student who sat quietly in the front row, diligently taking notes but rarely speaking up unless prompted.

AMY GALLO: So, no professors emphasized the importance of speaking up?

NEDA NOROUZI: No, I didnt receive that guidance during my undergraduate studies. A professor did suggest I take a speech class, which helped immensely.

AMY GALLO: Aimee, how about you? What skill surprised you when you entered the workforce?

AIMEE LAUN: It may sound trivial, but I learned the importance of keeping organized notes during meetings from my first boss, Lisa Ortiz. She used a Quo Vadis planner, which inspired me to embrace structured organization and note-taking, a practice I still rely on today.

AMY GALLO: For me, it was understanding that negotiation is a daily part of work life, not just limited to salary discussions. Navigating workplace dynamics often requires negotiation skills that I hadnt developed during my education.

Both Norouzi and Laun shared insights into the gaps in student preparedness they encounter. Laun noted that the questions students don't ask often signal their lack of awareness about what they can advocate for in the workplace. She emphasized the importance of encouraging junior women to voice their needs and desires.

NEDA NOROUZI: I often remind my students that while school can feel like a safe, controlled environment, the realities in the workplace are vastly different. For example, architecture students often become overly attached to their designs, but they need to shift their focus to how their work impacts the client.

In the spirit of empowering young women, Norouzi and Laun stressed the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in the workplace, especially for women navigating the complexities of their early careers. They discussed how crucial it is for women to find mentors who can guide them through the unseen dynamics of office culture.

AMY GALLO: As we discuss these essential skills, it's important to highlight the competencies outlined by NACE, which include career self-development, communication, critical thinking, and leadership in addition to equity, professionalism, teamwork, and technology. However, the conversation doesnt end there; there are additional skills, such as negotiation and emotional intelligence, that are crucial for success.

AIMEE LAUN: At Texas Womans University, we emphasize understanding the gender pay gap and advocate for our students to ensure they are equipped not just for salary negotiations but for all aspects of their roles.

NEDA NOROUZI: My involvement with the Women in Architecture group allows me to teach negotiation skills, encouraging students to advocate for themselves in their job offers. Its gratifying to see students embrace this and recognize that asking for more is not just for their benefit but for future generations of women.

In closing, the conversation turned to the vital topic of navigating bias and sexism in the workplace. Both Norouzi and Laun acknowledged the challenges young women face regarding ageism and sexism, emphasizing the importance of honest discussions about these issues. They shared their insights on how to empower students through awareness and guidance.

AMY GALLO: As we wrap up, lets remember the power of connectionnetworking, making eye contact, and establishing human relationships are essential elements in career advancement. It is this personal touch that can set candidates apart in the workforce.

As a host, I express hope that young women will have mentors who help illuminate the often invisible expectations of the workforce. The episode encourages listeners to share these insights with others, fostering a supportive environment for the next generation of female leaders.

Women at Works editorial and production team includes Amanda Kersey, Maureen Hoch, Tina Tobey Mack, Hannah Bates, Rob Eckhardt, and Ian Fox, with theme music composed by Robin Moore. Thank you for joining us today; I'm Amy Gallo.