the alc advantage
21st century skills
ALC prioritizes the development of 21st century skills—things like self-leading, leading others, entrepreneurial thinking, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, managing complex projects, and communication. Most higher educational institutions hope that students pick up some of these skills during their education. At ALC, we intentionally and explicitly develop these skills in students through practice, on-the-job experience, coaching, and regular feedback.
ALC graduates benefit from an innovative, individualized learning experience driven by seven key Meta Skills—the 21st-century skills and characteristics that top employers around the globe seek and that define leaders and entrepreneurs.
This approach is designed to augment academic theory and provide you with the development you need to remain relevant in an ever-changing world. With these Meta Skills, you’ll answer questions like “Who do I lead?” and “How do I lead?”
At ALC, you’ll prepare for jobs that haven’t even been created yet.
THE SEVEN 21ST-CENTURY META SKILLS
LEADING OTHERS
Today’s employers seek people who can take charge, define a project’s direction, and manage co-workers.
Key Characteristics:
- Empathy
- Diversity
- Relationship Building
- Feedback
- Collaboration
ENTREPRENEURIAL THINKING
Entrepreneurs see failure as a learning opportunity. They pursue their vision even through adversity. They use real-world experience for growth.
Key Characteristics:
- Systems Thinking
- Identifying Opportunities
- Human-centered Thinking
- Creativity and Innovation
- Continuous Iteration
QUANTITATIVE REASONING
Employers want quantifiable results. The ability to evaluate a situation’s data and determine the most effective and efficient way to approach it is crucial.
Key Characteristics:
- Data Contextualisation
- Uncertainty and Modelling of the Real World
- Empirical Research
- Data-based Decision Making
- Quantitative Problem Solving
LEADING SELF
Entrepreneurs see failure as a learning opportunity. They pursue their vision even through adversity. They use real-world experience for growth.
Key Characteristics:
- Self-awareness
- Proactivity
- Lifelong Values
- Self-improvement
- Self-regulation
CRITICAL THINKING
Today’s successful professionals don’t jump to conclusions or assume outcomes—they critically examine facts and carefully consider solutions.
Key Characteristics:
- Authentic Inquiry
- Evidence/Research Analysis
- Arguments and Judgement
- Synthesis
COMMUNICATION FOR IMPACT
A deep understanding of your audience is just as important as what you say and how you say it.
Key Characteristics:
- Audience
- Writing Process
- Voice
- Organising for Effective Communication
- Storytelling and Presentation
MANAGING COMPLEX TASKS
The ability to look at a complex project from multiple perspectives is critical to success.
Key Characteristics:
- Scoping
- Structuring
- Planning
- Coordination
- Execution