"Core Skills", You Can't Do Without Them Anymore!

While technical know-how remains important, the focus is increasingly shifting to interpersonal skills and effective communication.

The term "Core Skills" encompasses personal qualities such as flexibility, assertiveness, team ability, and communication, which are increasingly sought by employers in the tech industry.

Contrary to the conventional view that a computer science degree is a prerequisite for a successful career in the technology industry, skills such as language comprehension and creative thinking, often named as Core Skills (Soft Skills), play a crucial role in the age of AI-driven automation.

Major technology companies recognize the increasing importance of Core Skills. Of course, technical and functional competencies are undoubtedly still important, but Core Skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are gaining significance.

This shift is reflected in job postings where companies explicitly seek candidates with excellent Core Skills and integrative, empathetic, and solution-oriented mindsets.

Today, a human-centered approach is crucial and requires creative minds who can quickly adapt to the constantly changing technological environment.

The "Most In-Demand Skills 2024" report from LinkedIn alone shows that "five of the ten most sought-after skills in Austria are Core (Soft) Skills - communication, teamwork, analytical skills, management, and leadership - while only two technical skills, SQL and Python, are listed."

Which Core Skills Are Meant Exactly?

Communication:

• In software development, clear communication is crucial. This includes not only effectively conveying information but also active listening.
• A good communicator is able to precisely understand requirements and respond with clarity and confidence.

Empathy:

• Understanding the perspectives of team members, customers, and users promotes effective collaboration.
• Empathy enables better attunement to the needs of others and improves interpersonal dynamics.

Patience:

• Software development is often characterized by lengthy processes and complex problems.
• Patience is essential for overcoming challenges, accepting setbacks, and continuously learning.

Open-mindedness and Adaptability:

• In a constantly evolving industry, willingness to explore new technologies and methods is crucial.
• Willingness to experiment promotes not only personal development but also helps adapt to changes.

Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Problem-Solving Ability:

• Critical thinking enables developers to analyze complex problems and find innovative solutions.
• Creativity is crucial for pursuing innovative approaches in developing software solutions.

Accountability, Humility, and Modesty:

• Accountability involves admitting mistakes and willingness to learn from them.
• A balanced relationship between self-confidence and modesty promotes a supportive team environment.

Self-Confidence:

• Self-confidence develops through experiences and successful projects.
• It enables developers to take on challenges and approach new tasks with confidence.

Management (People, Time, and Project):

• Effective time management and the ability to provide realistic time estimates are essential.
• Smart management of projects and people also requires the ability to say "no" when necessary.

Teamwork and Collaboration:

• Teamwork is fundamental for success in software development.
• The ability to collaborate is supported by patience, empathy, clear communication, and effective time management.

In summary, the IT industry recognizes the necessity of a versatile skill profile. Core Skills are becoming a key factor for success, offering a competitive advantage in the talented market of the modern era.

The balance between technical ability, effective communication, and teamwork is becoming a prerequisite.