The days when the expectations from coders where simply centered around their technical skills are long gone. While writing the right code and executing tests are still the cornerstones of the job, coders need to also have certain soft skills to succeed in the field. While companies like Revature can equip coders with all the tech skills and knowledge they would need, it is responsibility of the coder to work on their soft skills. As the software industry becomes integrated with business, the expectations from coders start to evolve. To become a part of a team and work seamlessly with their peers, coders must be willing to learn and hone their soft skills.
Revature underlines soft skills that all coders must have
Communication undoubtedly tops the list of soft skills needed, not just for coders, but for almost any profession. One must remember that communication is a two way street. Just talking clearly and properly is not enough. A person also needs to be a good listener. Listening to the superiors, colleagues, and users can make all the difference in a project. A good listener gets to learn new things, expand their horizons and broaden their worldview. They often notice what others miss, which is a quality important for any coder.
Empathy is another pretty vital skill for coders. Being able to empathize with their team members shall allow these professionals to gain a better understanding of their problems, and explore ways to make a project work for everyone. Even suggesting new ideas will become simpler if there is a good understanding among the team members, and everyone is assured that there will not be any mockery of their idea. Empathy also allows people to predict how others are likely to react to certain feedback, and hence they can tailor their manner of approach and talk based on the audience.
The third most important skill for a coder would be open-mindedness. Keeping an open mind often helps them to discover own weaknesses and tackle them. It also allows coders to be more positive towards others’ ideas. Asking questions can be a good way to become more open-minded, as it shows that the coder is open to learning from others, are willing to listen, and does appreciate others. In a way, asking questions and showing interest in the work of others ticks the boxes of communication, empathy, and open-mindedness at the same time.
While many think that coders always work independently, in reality they often have to collaborate with a team of developers, designers, and more. Working as a team is not easy if a person does not have the qualities of a team player. A single coder cannot always execute a project successfully. For the best possible project outcomes, they need to be open to collaborating with others, listening to their ideas, and even ask for help, if needed. All the soft skills mentioned above help a coder to become a team player. As a coder gets trained in valuable tech skills through companies like Revature, they must simultaneously work towards honing their soft skills to gain optimal success in their career.