SOFT SKILLS:

Connection to A Successful
Careers
 importance of soft skills
• Skills, abilities and traits that pertain to personality, attitude, and behavior
• Not Formal or technical knowledge
• Competitive advantage in today’s economy
• Resumes and interviewing skills
• Written communication skills, e-mail/cell/text message etiquette:
• Team dynamics and generational differences:
• Presentation skills:
• Working with a dysfunctional team:
• Professional business casual attire does not include sneakers, jeans and t-shirts
 These skills are key to succeeding

 Many students have no idea how to function in the real world

 Many computer science students mistakenly believe that technical skills are the
only skills that are important
 Communication Skills
 listening
 written, verbal, and presentation skills
 documentation
 teamwork
 supportive peer-critique
 customer service
 professional behaviour (manners and
deportment)
 Time Management
These skills can include:
 breaking down a project into specific tasks
 determining what can/should be achieved given
time restrictions
 developing effective timelines (project
milestones)
 teamwork (assigning tasks and follow-up)
 working to deadlines (and meeting them!)
 knowing when to ask for help
 Organization
These skills can include:
 information gathering
 making sure all the pieces of the puzzle fit and
are included in the final project package
 using individual strengths within a team
 leadership skills
 valuing all team members
 conflict resolution
 ensuring all team members are on task and on time
 Problem Solving
These skills can include:
 analyzing a problem
 identifying missing information
 formulating possible solutions
 evaluating potential solutions
 testing the solution
 implementing effective solutions
 refining solutions using feed-back
 Definition:
• Wikipedia definition:
Soft skills is a sociological term relating to a
person's
"EQ" (Emotional Intelligence Quotient), the
cluster of personality traits, social graces,
communication, language, personal habits,
friendliness, and optimism that characterize
relationships with other people.
 What Industry Wants
• Skill sets that include:
• Oral and written communication skill
• Critical thinking ability
• Problem-solving resourcefulness
• Ability to work productively on a team