Any advice for an undergrad in terms of picking up essential skillsets before graduating and entering the work force? Not just hard skills but essential soft skills as well.?

Your technical/trade skills are a must. You don't have to be an expert in the field but some core competency is necessary.

I'd say do pick up more soft skills especially during your university years where you have more freedom and surrounded by progressive minded adults (hopefully). Focus well in giving presentations, public speaking and netowrking like crazy with the right crowds!

Be open to new circles and trying out different things while you still have the time and energy. It'll greatly help build your confidence and develop interpersonal skills.​​​

Essential skillsets would differ based on your desired career and specialisation, but these are the skills I would tell my younger self to learn:

Hard Skills:

1. Excel/Powerpoint - This is pretty much a must for most if not all corporate jobs, and I don't just mean SUM and VLOOKUP formulas. Go and learn some of the more advanced stuff as well like Data/Pivot Tables, macros, and VBA even if you're more hardcore

2. Technology Literacy - The level needed definitely differs across different industries/job roles (not everyone needs to learn to code), but you should still be aware of how technology is advancing and impacting your industry, like Cloud, Data Science, Internet of Things

Soft Skills:

1. Communication/Presentation skills - Learn to be confident when presenting ideas to upper management/clients. Be clear and concise.

2. Networking - Extremely important for getting new opportunities especially as a fresh grad. Many companies host recruitment/networking sessions at unis, use that chance to learn more about your desired industry and even make a few industry contacts!