A workforce with highly developed communication skills, also known as career and life skills (CLS), is critical to America's ability to compete in the technologically advanced global and capricious economy. Although the number of college graduates entering the workforce is rising, there remains a perceptible gap in their communication skills, specifically in speaking, writing, and listening. The fundamental problem explored in this study was that although college graduates are completing the necessary coursework to receive a degree, too many lack the CLS most sought by 21st-century employers. The current generation of undergraduates, known as Generation Z (Gen Z), are the future employees and organizational leaders of U.S. business and industry. It is incumbent upon higher education learning leaders to provide Gen Z with the communication tools or awareness to develop the communication skills needed to survive and thrive in a rapidly changing, global marketplace. To fulfill this responsibility, learning and organizational leaders must understand how to connect with and engage the generation they seek to teach or employ. This basic qualitative research study was a means to discover what collegiate Gen Z perceived of 21st century communication skills in speaking, writing, and listening relevant to their academic pursuits and life beyond the classroom. Data collection was via semistructured, one-on-one interviews with 10 Gen Z undergraduates at a small, private, liberal arts college located in the U.S. Midwest. Path-goal theory provided a framework for elucidating Gen Z perceptions and awareness of the importance of effective communication skills, or CLS. The study provides a framework for further research into the effective delivery of postsecondary curriculum and instruction to Gen Z and future undergraduates. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]