Excelsior: Cognitive Skills Remain Important in Age of AI

The Big Picture

Higher education needs to intentionally develop critical thinking and cognitive abilities – not just technical skills – to prepare students for the modern workforce.

Why it matters

• Employers increasingly value “soft skills” like communication, emotional intelligence and critical thinking alongside technical expertise
• Even with AI’s rise, human cognitive abilities like asking good questions and applying knowledge remain crucial

The bottom line

While technical skills matter, higher education’s greatest value comes from developing students’ broader cognitive abilities to think critically and apply knowledge effectively across contexts.