Study after study (after study!) have shown which attributes companies value most in leaders and new hires. The results are clear: soft skills matter.
Devin Fidler, research director at the Institute for the Future, predicted, “As basic automation and machine learning move toward becoming commodities, uniquely human skills will become more valuable.” Most modern engineering jobs will require unique and specialized skills, but having technical chops are only half the battle. In the eyes of recruiters, engineers with a healthy mix of technical abilities and soft skills stand out from the crowd.
Let's look at how these four soft skills can give you a competitive edge in the job market:
The realm of semiconductor jobs is big and diverse. Engineers of all disciplines and experiences play a role in creating the next generation of electronics. But an innovator needs the right resources to stay ahead of the game. Whether you’re a budding engineer or a specialist looking to make a switch, having the necessary tools of the trade is as important as knowing the technical know-how of the craft.
The best leaders and managers are always looking for ways to sharpen their skills and gain fresh perspectives. Aside from attending conferences, workshops or exploring the internet, there’s another channel of discovery and education that’s popular with passionate learners: podcasts.
Whether you’re commuting to work, working out, or taking a lunch break, podcasts are an incredibly economical and convenient way to invest in yourself and transform your day. With hundreds of topics from popular culture, comedy, education, politics, sports, technology, and more, there’s no limit to what you can learn as an avid listener—or as a professional hiring manager.