In a world, where personal and organizational growth and success is tangent to the impact of skills and expertise, it is note worthy that the lack of either or both will impact both the organization and personal career growth negatively.
The bedrock of successful careers and organizations is largely dependent on the impact of expertise and relevant skills. There is no doubt that technical skills form the very fundamentals for every role, without which no employer will consider jobseekers for any available position. Yet they don’t meet the requirement as a standalone skill set for the ready job market.
This is where the interesting question comes in. Why then do we have many qualified candidates with no jobs? Truth is, employers look beyond the technical capabilities. They seek team members who have unique character traits and skills to support their work for excellent output. Most often than not, longevity is hinged on the successful impact made by a good use of both technical and soft skills.
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The present situation : Lack of relevant soft skills
LinkedIn’s October, 2023 Global Talent Trends report indicates that companies that help their employees build skills have higher internal mobility.
Soft skills are the personal attributes, personality traits, inherent social cues, and communication abilities needed for success on the job.” – Andrew E. Schwartz
While most people are hired for their technical abilities, soft skills give them career longevity.
What then are soft skills?
These are character and personality traits that help people interact with others for maximum output and success. They are those often underestimated and overlooked attributes, but essentially are the true secret sauce in the world of tech.
Let’s look at why soft skills are not merely desirable but essential for success in tech roles, and how they are becoming the cornerstone of innovation in the world of tech.
Knowledge, expertise and consistency are the underlying factors for success in every field of work. With no exception to Tech- roles, the impact of technical skills coupled with the right set of soft skills enhance success.
Beneath the success of every tech role, exists fundamental support of essential soft skills. These skills encompass the ability to collaborate seamlessly, work effectively in teams, and communicate with finesse. Soft skills create an environment where the exchange of ideas occurs effortlessly, and innovation takes root.
The Human Side of Tech
Jobseekers find themselves in the midst of an exciting tech revolution that promises to shape the nation’s future. However, amidst this innovative digital transformation, they encounter a pressing issue that demands attention-the noticeable lack of relevant soft skills.
This, as a matter of concern, is a global challenge. Yet, progress as a people depends on our ability to tap into the immense potential of every individual and leverage on that for progress and development. It is important to state that acquiring these skills gives you leverage for employer visibility.
User-Centric Design
Tech is ultimately about giving solutions and serving needs. An intuitive user experience demands a deep understanding of user behavior and preferences. Soft skills like empathy and user-centric thinking bridge the gap between raw data and user-friendly applications, ensuring that tech products genuinely resonate with their intended audience.
At its core, technology revolves around meeting the needs of people. Achieving this requires experience and utmost appreciation for users’ choices. Soft skills act as the bridge, ensuring that tech solutions genuinely connect and meet the needs of it’s target group.
With empathy, tech professionals get to understand users. The deep understanding enables the creation of solutions that align seamlessly with the users’ desires and expectations. User-centric thinking emphasizes the importance of serving the people it intends to benefit.
These soft skills transform data-driven insights into actionable strategies. They pave the way for innovation that responds effectively to the ever-evolving needs of users. In the ever evolving world of tech, providing solutions to needs is not enough but building cordial relationships foster repeat purchase and customer loyalty.
Problem Solving and Adaptability
Tech professionals are empowered to navigate change with resilience by means of soft skills .Problem-solving abilities, a subset of soft skills, are the backbone of tech roles. They enable individuals to understand complicated problems, devise creative solutions, and quickly adapt to changing situations.
Elevating Your Tech Career
Combining your technical expertise with soft skills positions you as a well-rounded professional, ready to ascend the career ladder. Leaders in tech who excel in soft skills are better equipped to lead teams effectively, navigate organizational dynamics, and drive strategic initiatives.
The Future of Technology
The future of technology isn’t just about what we can build; it’s about how we can use our creations to better humanity. Mastering the art of soft skills is the bridge that leads us there, ensuring that technology remains a force for good.
By recognizing the significance of soft skills, young women in tech can confidently stride into the future, knowing that their diverse perspectives and well-rounded abilities will not only shape the digital landscape but also create a more inclusive, innovative, and promising future for all. So, embrace your technical prowess and nurture your soft skills; together, they are the keys that will unlock limitless opportunities for you.
NB: To find out which soft skills are most needed in an organization, look no further than your most successful employees. See if there are certain traits they share that allow them to prosper in the workplace.
Become a comprehensive professional equipped with the essential soft skills needed to secure your next tech job. Leave no room for employers to overlook your qualifications. The moment to act is here.
Get the tailored soft skills training necessary for you to land the dream tech role and be among the next generation of young women in tech ready for the tech job market.
