Background Interpersonal skills, such as communication skills, are fundamental in health services management. These are essential to improve care outcomes and achieving higher patient satisfaction (Erigüç & Köse, 2013; Karimzadeh et al., 2017; Meyer et al., 2009). Communication skills are amongst the most sought-after employability skills for health service managers (Messum et al., 2015). Hence, developing written and verbal communication skills is essential for ensuring the job-readiness of our health service management graduates (Bridgstock, 2020). This research paper explores the barriers, challenges, and opportunities in developing communication skills for Health Service Management (HSM) graduates. Methods ● A literature review was undertaken to understand the challenges, barriers and opportunities in developing communication skills for health service management graduates. ● An evidence-based skill assessment questionnaire of the WIL students was conducted, which collected qualitative data on their communication skills. Based on the above, a Pilot communication skills workshop was developed, delivered and evaluated as a part of the curriculum of WIL students. Results Communication skills, both written and verbal, are challenging for HSM graduates, especially international students. The pilot workshop was well received and highly appreciated for its benefits by the HSM graduates in the WIL program. Outcomes and implications – including reference to healthcare management. Communication skills development will benefit health service management students by increasing their confidence, improving interpersonal relationships with colleagues and consumers, and having higher chances of success in their careers (Bridgstock, 2021). This highlights the importance of courses that helps students to develop employability skills such as communication skills.