Developing transversal skills in higher education in Finland
Authors: Raatikainen Eija , Konkka Jyrki , Rantala-Nenonen Katriina 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore Master of Social Services students’ (MSS) thoughts of transversal skills in higher education studies and working life practice. Transversal skills are general skills that are transferable from field to field. For instance, transversal skills can promote individuals’ employability in the labor market or offer a framework to structure individuals’ unrecognized skills. The aim of the paper is to present Master of Social Services students’ (MSS) thoughts about transversal skills, especially in the context of their studies and working life. The research questions are how transversal skills develop during studies and what are their meaning in the context of working life.Design/methodology/approachThe study is a qualitative case study. The data was collected by open e-questionnaires, the first research question was answered by a minimum of two students per group, while the second research question was answered by each student alone. Altogether 23 participants were involved in the study. The data was analyzed by content analysis.FindingsAs result, it can be concluded that the MSS students described various ways to support the development of transversal skills in higher education. All transversal skills are constantly used in the working life and, especially in challenging working life situations, these skills are combined. Transversal skills are often needed in various situations, especially related to social work clients’ life situations. Moreover, updating qualifications and acting in different roles were described as important by students.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is a case study, so its limitations are obvious. In this study, we do not aim to generalize as the size of the data in our case study does not support generalization of the results. However, the study offers a specific perspective into transversal skills, as it is about the meaning of transversal skills in one higher education context in Finland (MSS). The results can be one example about how to draw attention to transversal skills in teaching and learning in higher education contexts. Transversal skills can be both professional skills in some specific field, but also transferable from field to field at the same time.Practical implicationsFuture professionals, who have a good knowledge of transversal skills, can find and benefit from different types of work-based learning opportunities. Additionally, they can learn to verbalize their skills as part of their competences. Also, in the working life context, one benefit of transversal skills can be that employers can offer more structured learning environments for their employees in order to develop their broader skills. All this can be a significant asset to various organizations.Social implicationsTransversal skills are skills that cross professional skills. When preparing for unpredictable changes in the world, transversal skills can help in adapting to new situations and increase resilience in those situations. Moreover, the definitions and framework of transversal skills can help recognize one's own skills and competences, including those skills that often remain hidden. Employees and communities benefit from identifying transversal skills. Higher education institutions can plan their teaching and learning processes to support the development of students’ transversal skills.Originality/valueThe value of transversal skills can be attributed to the fact that, at best, they can offer detailed and even previously hidden skills descriptions alongside the existing skills. The concept of transversal skills can be used in higher education, where their framework and competence descriptions may be part of curriculum work and education, especially in work-based contexts. Additionally, knowledge of transversal skills can be helpful in various pedagogical solutions, work-based guidance and other pedagogical work-based activities.