What is Skills: Definition and 213 Discussions

A skill is the learned ability to perform an action with determined results with good execution often within a given amount of time, energy, or both. Skills can often be divided into domain-general and domain-specific skills. For example, in the domain of work, some general skills would include time management, teamwork and leadership, self-motivation and others, whereas domain-specific skills would be used only for a certain job. Skill usually requires certain environmental stimuli and situations to assess the level of skill being shown and used.
A skill may be called an art when it represents a body of knowledge or branch of learning, as in the art of medicine or the art of war. Although the arts are also skills, there are many skills that form an art but have no connection to the fine arts. A practice is when the learned skill is put into practice. An art or skill may be the basis for a profession, trade, or craft.
People need a broad range of skills to contribute to the modern economy. A joint ASTD and U.S. Department of Labor study showed that through technology, the workplace is changing, and identified 16 basic skills that employees must have to be able to change with it. Three broad categories of skills are suggested and these are technical, human, and conceptual. The first two can be substituted with hard and soft skills, respectively.

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  1. P

    Want to improve math skills, need some suggestions

    Hey guys this is my first post, glad to have found this awesome forum. As the title suggests I want to improve my math skills and I'd highly appreciate if some of you could recommend me some books and in general tell me which areas I should focus on. I feel that my current math skills are...
  2. A

    I want to go for a Msc in Astrophysics but dont have the sufficient skills

    Hello everyone. I have a challenge that has been bothering me and i would welcome any advice i can get right now. I have a BSc in Industrial Physics with applied Geophysics option. The problem is i don't know have a full knowledge of university physics and mathematics...am not even sure of my...
  3. C

    Programs Are programming skills required to get into an Applied Math PhD school?

    Hi Physicsforum, I'll be graduating next semester (one semester early) with a degree in Pure Math and Statistics (minor in Atmopheric Science). I have good research experience and an internship and can get some good letters of recommendation. However, I'm worried that I don't have enough...
  4. A

    Applying Math Skills: Opportunities and Paths for Success

    Hello all. I got curious about how fractions worked back in Feb 2012; I really enjoyed trying to understand it so I kept going and now I'm up to Limits at Infinity. I really enjoy math and the mechanics of it (although most of it so far seems to be manipulating notation, or concept driven...
  5. V

    Practical Electronic & Mechanical Skills for Aspiring Experimentalists

    I just thought Id post some of my thoughts on what I feel is needed for undergrad physics majors who are interested in the more practical side of what we are learning in our highly idealized and theoretical coursework. I also would like to point out what tools I think are necessary for people...
  6. S

    Can a graduate student afford his/her time on gaining industrial skills?

    Hi. I will be starting undergraduate studies in mathematics in this autumn. Given the unemployable nature of the subject only with a bachelor's degree, I will most definitely pursue graduate studies. At this point, I am not wholly determined to go for a Ph.D., and I am not sure about my...
  7. K

    Proofs, Exercises & Mathematica - Training the same skills?

    First post on this forum, that IMO is amazing! I was reading the introduction of the book “A gentle introduction to the art of Mathematics” and I was wondering about what the authors wrote on whom the book is for. In particular he stated that the book is in particular for people who can...
  8. A

    Do you have any skills or expertise that would amaze others?

    I do not. I'm bilingual, but one of them is Americanese so it doesn't stand out much, I can perform 4 digit calculation in my head within 30 seconds but my niece is catching up fast and she's only 3rd grade. I have good long term memory, but have to prove that in at least ten years.
  9. O

    Where can beginners learn shop skills?

    Wasn't sure where the best place to ask this would be, but I feel like the Engineering forum is my best bet. Lately I've been interested in constructing my own physics demos. I've managed to slap together a few sad-looking contraptions, but they're really kind of pathetic, and involve a lot...
  10. O

    Ways to improve my academic presentation skills

    Hi, I'm an international student in the United States and a non-native English speaker. Needless to say, I have an accent. Also, when speaking, I have trouble converting ideas in my head into English sentences. This is not a problem when writing, because I have enough time to think. But when...
  11. O

    Undergrad searching for marketable skills

    I've read all about how it's next to impossible to find a job in academia after grad school. Frankly, after all of the horror stories, I'm still not sure what to do. Being a professor still sounds like my dream job, but if the prospects are really that poor, I don't know if I could move around...
  12. S

    MHB Fun Puzzles: Test Your Math Skills!

    Fun Problems! Evaluate the following: 1. \( \displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{\left( 1+\dfrac{1}{1!}+\dfrac{1}{2!}+\cdots +\dfrac{1}{(n-1)!} \right)}{2^{n-1}}\) 2. \( \displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1+2+2^2+\cdots+2^{n-1}}{n!}\) 3. \( \displaystyle...
  13. W

    Is Mathematics the Best Language for Understanding the Universe?

    I'm very good at math and scored high during all my life - but I must admit that nothing I have found until now couldn't be done better by programming. So, if someone wants to understand the nature of the world, not for an university or for jobs, but for it's sake - can you provide me one single...
  14. C

    Any how to books to improve programmin skills?

    I have basic understanding of programming, but i would like to improve. Are there any websites/books that have problems and solutions?
  15. N

    What is the basic skills for a mech eng student required to work in AUS?

    Hi everyone: I am currently a 4th year student of Monash Uni in Melbourne. *graduate soon 1. Can anyone here tell me what is the basic requirement/knowledge/skills of a fresh graduated mech student that required to work in AUS?
  16. D

    Are communication skills like social skills

    What does "communication skills" mean in the professional world? I see the phrase "has excellent communication skills" relatively often in job adds. The term "communication skills" sounds funny to me. What does this mean in a business environment? Is the "phrase communication skills" used in...
  17. G

    What are your sucessful study habits and/or skills?

    Hi. I'm a freshmen in college. I am now on christmas Break. During my first quarter, I didn't do very well. I have been cutting class when it is not mandatory (no quiz, midterm, final, attendance,etc), so I will make an effort to attend every single class from now on. However, my biggest problem...
  18. B

    Tips to Improve Math Skills?

    I want to be better at math. I'm not horrible, but I'm not great either. I want to be able to calculate things fast and with accuracy. Tips?
  19. X

    Correlation between problem solving skills and being able to derive theories.

    From my understanding the job of a theoretical physicist is to derive theories to explain phenomena in nature. But let's say you aren't the best problem solver in the world. You are good enough in your physics class to get the 3.5 GPA but you are never able to solve those extra credit problems...
  20. B

    Preventing my Math skills from becoming rusty

    Hey everyone! I'm deciding whether to major in Economics, Business Finance, or Chemical Engineering, and what I know about the three is that they all require plenty of knowledge in mathematics (Chem. Engineering especially). I wanted to take Calculus 1 next semester, but my couselor suggested...
  21. Greg Bernhardt

    Wisconsin's manufacturing lacking candidates with basic skills of employability

    I was reading my local cities online newspaper and found this little gem of a story about what is ailing the manufacturing industry in the Midwest region. http://www.jsonline.com/business/milwaukee-7-will-work-to-polish-manufacturings-image-133080973.html Basic math! Shows how important it is...
  22. M

    Ideas and techniques to improve problem solving skills

    Hey there I’m currently in year 11 and I’m in physics. This year, we have been doing some basic math which relates to projectiles and conservation of momentum ect, it was pretty much just sub a whole bunch of knowns into a formula and solve for x or something, anyway, this term we have...
  23. V

    Courses Does Physics course teach basic computing skills?

    At university of Toronto, do certain physics courses teach computer programmings? or do I need to take extra course for computer Not that I don't want to take it but I think I will have full course for both 1st year uni even without the computer courses. I think it is important to learn...
  24. M

    Physics What skills should someone aspiring with for a PhD in Physics acquire?

    Right now I'm a sophomore majoring in physics and I honestly don't have very many skills. I am great with computer/electronics repair and networking(as a hobby), but that's about it. I kind of wish I learned some of these skills earlier, so that they would be even better by now. Which is what I...
  25. BobG

    Serena improves her communication skills?

    Serena Williams went off on the umpire at the US Open, hurling the devastating insult of "You're unattractive inside!" And then followed it up with commands "Don't look at me!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px03E5NnPSU Tennis must be a lot different than soccer because, in my years...
  26. D

    What is the Maximum Acceleration a Man Can Achieve Pushing a Fully Loaded Cart?

    A man pushes an empty 20kg cart as hard as he can and the cart accelerates at 10m/s. The cart is then filled so that the weight is 100kg. How much acceleration can the man achieve pushing the full cart? (Show all your working)
  27. A

    What skills are required for programming internship?

    It would be fantastic if someone could come up with a rough list of what you think the necessary skills are for a programming internship. Let's say in C#, for example. I read that companies want interns who are (in theory) very proficient at a language but want to apply their learned skills in...
  28. N

    How can I get hands-on skills?

    I'm about a year away from finishing my PhD in Nuclear Engineering with a focus on irradiation damage to materials. I have an undergraduate degree in physics, and another in printmaking. Currently, I do only computer simulations. Though my degree will technically be engineering, my...
  29. V

    How usefull will basic programming skills be as a physicist?

    Currently I have no programming skills at all. I am considering mastering in Theoretical Physics and was wondering how strongly I would be recommended to learn some basic programming skills. Also if it is inconvenient to follow any programming classes at my university at the moment what would be...
  30. M

    Communication skills in math and science.

    I'm curious. Are there any science or math majors who found themselves needing to improve on communication with other majors and professors in a similar field? Was a mastery of the subject the most important thing in this communication, or was it more so just speaking more with others?
  31. A

    Improving Conversational Skills- A Journey Through Shyness and Awkwardness

    I'd like to improve my conversational skills - I'm kind of anti-social, and it's dawning on me that I am going to die alone if I don't start talking to people. I've reached this strange place in my life, and I don't quite know how I got here. I used to be, well, a bit shy but I could start a...
  32. R

    Required Computer Skills for Mechanical Engineering

    Hey guys, I am a freshmen planning to Major in Mechanical Engineering. After I graduate, I want to purse a career in the Aerospace industry coz Aviation is my interest. I was wondering what kind of computer programming skills and CAD designing skills should I acquire inorder to make myself...
  33. M

    Who turned there math skills around?

    Hello everyone, I've been lurking around here for a while and joined today. I'm interested in learning as much as possible. My question regards to my college focus and I suppose general abilities. I started off as an English teacher path and, upon getting my associates degree, knew it was not...
  34. S

    Direct current brain stimulation improves motor skills

    A recent study has shown that non-invasive anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex can improve certain newly taught motor skills and those skill gains are retained after 3 months adjusted for time related declines in both treated and control (sham)...
  35. D

    Study skills across different topics/subjects

    I have a hard time with math and physics. Part of the problem is its hard for me to decipher equations and theorems with so many symbols. My best subject is English, reading and writing comes very naturally for me, but I also find it very boring and tedious. Do you guys have any suggestions on...
  36. Aaronvan

    Mathematical Skills for Understanding General and Special Relativity

    I'm curious as to the highest level of mathematical skill required for adequate understanding of Einstein's theories. For example, how deep into PDE's do the field equations require?
  37. B

    Can Science Careers Overlook Poor Communication Skills?

    "Good Communication Skills" Ok well right now I'm doing pretty good in all my EECS and math courses, but the problem is that I have horrendous communication skills. I am trying really hard to improve them but I don't seem to be getting that much better. I'm really frightened because every...
  38. D

    How Do You Multiply Large Numbers in Scientific Notation?

    Homework Statement 2.573x10^13 x 6.58x10^-5 x 7.0732x10^11 The Attempt at a Solution would you round up the answer to 120 initially after multiplying? heres my answer 120x10^19=1.20x10^17
  39. G

    Excellent Physics Book to Enhance Problem Solving Skills?

    I'm a High School Student and I love studying Physics, but my main problem is, I sometimes get careless and sometimes uncritical to the word problems given in our Physics class, though, I get decent grades in Physics, I feel that I'm not yet satisfied with my skills in it, its seems that I still...
  40. M

    Physics Medical physicists' communication skills

    Hi I just came across this forum I am working as a physicist in a hospital. I have seen quite a few medical physicists during my career. I find that most physicists I saw are quite lack of inter-personal skills. That is quite contrary to my original expectation because I though people with...
  41. Simfish

    Bad programming skills = biggest hurdle to astronomy research

    http://weareallinthegutter.wordpress.com/2010/12/22/astronomy-bottlenecks What are your thoughts on this?
  42. K

    Medical Electric Jolt to Brain Boosts Math Skills

    Stimulating the brain with a nonpainful electrical current can jump-start peoples' math skills, scientists say. The finding could lead to new, long-lasting treatments for people with moderate to severe math impairments such as dyscalculia, or "math dyslexia." This learning disability prevents a...
  43. F

    What are the best skills to self-learn as a third year physics major?

    I'm a third year phys major, unknown specialty. I'm just asking what are some good skills to self-learn, as opposed to spending time learning in a class. Something where it's not difficult to learn just by doing problems, as opposed to having a real benefit to talk to other people. So I...
  44. V

    Rate of Rotation for a Pulley (Question for a Reasoning/Thinking Skills Test)

    Homework Statement *Please note that the following question is for a reasoning/thinking skills test. As I have only studied physics up to junior year in high school (and did not study pulleys then), I am unsure of the depth of physics knowledge required in this question, though it seems to...
  45. P

    Programs Is Programming Experience Necessary for a PhD in Theoretical Particle Physics?

    Hi! I'd like to do a PhD in theoretical particle physics, but I have the following problem. I found an advertisement, where I should work on numerical algorithms for the calculation of some certain integrals. Furthermore, I should work on Monte Carlo simulations. During my master thesis...
  46. T

    What Skills Do Companies Seek in High School Interns?

    Hi, I'd like to apply for an internship for the following summer. What skills are the companies looking for? Is there anything useful I should get better at? I know some basic calculus and I'm deffinetly going to keep on improving (or at least I'll try), but is there anything else, that...
  47. C

    Doubting My Math Skills, Going Into Engineering/Science

    Hello, I've generally never been a good math student my entire life and up until Grade 11 I was in Applied Math (rather than Pure, which is a step up in Alberta). In Grade 11 I switched into Pure Math 20 and studied extremely hard to end up with an 85%. I'm currently in Grade 12 and taking Pure...
  48. Q

    Physics What are some in demand skills to have as a non-academic physicist?

    What are some "in demand" skills to have as a non-academic physicist? I'm applying to grad school (all apps seem to be due this December) in physics. Of course, I'm going to tell my prospective grad schools that I want nothing more than to be a renowned physics professor at a research...
  49. N

    Importance of Pure Math Skills in Astrophysics?

    Hello everyone! I just registered on this forum! I've been interested in astronomy and cosmology for quite a few years now, and I'm thinking of doing astrophysics. The only problem is: I'm not good at pure math. As long as I see the practical use of math, I'm quite good, but as soon as it...
  50. S

    Computer skills I should learn

    Hello, I'm taking a break from college to learn some computer skills that will hopefully allow me to find work and return to school once I have some sort of job as a programmer and I'm more financially secure. I was wondering which are the best computer skills to acquire that are relevant...
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