Tech companies are very clear about the hard skills their employees need to have. Numerous programs teach these technical skills. It’s easy to track progress when developing mobile apps or working with Python, but learning programming languages or engineering frameworks is only half the battle. If you want to advance, focusing on your soft skills is crucial. Employers expect software developers, UX designers, and operations engineers to have empathy, good communication, and the ability to accept criticism. These soft skills can be challenging to acquire, especially in the IT industry, where results are everything.

As much as code quality, technical abilities, and other “hard” aspects of tech matter, communication and collaboration define a great engineer. Soft skills are not just nice to have; they are essential. They are necessary for anyone who wants to work in software development. Building positive relationships within teams and organisations makes it easier to get through tough times, as there will always be people who care about you and want to help.

How well can you express your thoughts, opinions, and problems? Communication is key whether you’re giving a talk at a conference or discussing your project with a client; everything depends on how well you can convey your message. Conflicts exist in all companies, whether between colleagues or the company and its clients. It all comes down to how we handle these problems. We must learn to resolve issues in a way that keeps everyone satisfied without being aggressive or passive.

Active listening is undoubtedly a crucial communication skill. When someone is speaking to you, don’t rush to respond; instead, take your time and listen carefully to what is being said. This applies to verbal and non-verbal communication, so pay attention to facial expressions and body language.

Do you recognise when you are worried or overwhelmed? Do you sometimes get angry? Do you feel frustrated when things don’t go as planned? Understanding and managing your emotions is crucial for your success as an engineer.

To improve, you must first understand what you’re good at and where you can progress. When someone gives you feedback, try not to be defensive and accept it with an open mind. Sometimes, people give criticism less constructively, but if you take the time to talk to them, they are usually willing to clarify their point of view.

The great thing about soft skills is that they can always be improved – it’s never too late to start!