In the old days, students and teachers focused more on intelligence quotient or IQ. Programs and courses were designed to help students develop a wide range of skills and practical abilities. Today, however, emotional IQ is considered to be just as important, especially in the competitive job market that we have right now. The University of Maryland and its Online Master in Business Administration program recently released an infographic explaining how hiring managers and HR departments are taking emotional intelligence into account as one of the many factors considered when filling key positions in companies.

Fortunately, emotional intelligence is something that can be developed. There are ways to improve EI through training. There are also ways to help students be more positive and gain a better understanding of others’ emotions and non-verbal signals. All of these things are being incorporated into programs and courses right now.

Emotional IQ and You was created by the University of Maryland.