Hard skills vs soft skills: a necessary balance
When talking about careers in STEM—and particularly in IT—the first thing that tends to come to mind is technical skills: programming languages, software architectures, digital tools, agile methodologies. However, there is growing evidence that these skills, known as “hard skills,” are not enough on their own. Soft skills, which relate to how we communicate, collaborate, tackle problems, and work together, are now considered essential for many companies and can make a difference to our professional and personal development trajectories.
The importance of soft skills in IT work
In a review of scientific literature conducted by Al Asefer and Zainal Abidin (2021), it is reported that for many companies, soft skills are as important as—if not more important than—technical skills. Problem solving, effective communication, decision making, time management, teamwork, and crisis management are cross-cutting skills that make a difference in everyday life, especially in dynamic, interdisciplinary, and constantly evolving professional contexts such as tech.
Those entering the workforce after a STEM academic background often find themselves facing a gap between their university education and the expectations of the workplace. Theoretical knowledge is essential, but it is not enough on its own: it is also crucial to develop flexibility, interpersonal awareness, creativity, and the ability to engage in processes with clarity and a spirit of collaboration. More and more IT companies are becoming aware of this and are beginning to value these aspects from the moment of selection. Others, such as Onit, have known this for some time and have chosen to go one step further.
At Onit, we believe that professional growth cannot be separated from personal growth. For this reason, we have had an internal Academy for years, a space for continuous training that offers all our employees a catalog of courses that are not only technical but also focused on the development of soft skills. Communicating better, learning to give and receive feedback, dealing with conflicts constructively, valuing time and personal resources: these are all skills that not only enrich those who cultivate them, but also make teams more effective, sustainable, and human.
The Onit Academy is designed to support each person in their own development path, with a view to growth that goes beyond their role or professional title. If you are looking for an environment where you can feel actively involved, learn continuously, and build a career that balances technical and interpersonal skills, you may find it right here.
We look forward to seeing you!
Fonte: Al Asefer, M., & Zainal Abidin, N. S. (2021). Soft skills and graduates’ employability in the 21st century from employers’ perspectives: A review of literature. Journal of Governance and Integrity, 5(2), 173–179. https://doi.org/10.15282/jgi.5.2.2021.173.179
