When we think about skills that make a great software developer, data scientist, or QA engineer, our minds often immediately jump to technical expertise: coding languages, debugging skills, AI, or the latest tech stacks. But let’s take a moment to shine a light on the non-technical skills that can be equally as powerful in shaping a successful career. These often-overlooked attributes can be the secret sauce to excelling in the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and becoming an invaluable asset to any employer.

After giving this some thought, I’ve come up with four main categories of non-technical skills that I believe are beneficial in the tech industry and perhaps at times over looked.

1) Communication - The Bridge to
Collaboration: Imagine your workspace as a bustling hive of activity. Amid the keyboards clacking and monitors glowing, there's an invisible thread that keeps everything connected: communication. Whether it's clarifying requirements during the planning phase, discussing bugs in a stand-up meeting, or presenting a project demo, effective communication is crucial in this industry.

"The challenge isn't to get better at coding. The challenge is to get better at communication"-Alex Martin, Develop Carolina CTO

In my own journey, I've found that clear and open communication fosters a collaborative environment. It's like being the glue that holds a team together, ensuring everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal. In the SDLC, strong communication can prevent misunderstandings, streamline processes, and ultimately lead to a more cohesive and efficient development cycle.

I must admit, I felt a bit intimidated during my first two weeks at the company. However, I've learned that speaking up and expressing my thoughts and where I am coming from has always been the right choice. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have open dialogues with both my Booz Allen Hamilton team members and my Develop Carolina cohort members.

This industry thrives on teamwork and collaboration, so it's essential to know how to communicate effectively and work well with others. This is one of my first experiences working on collaborative projects, and I'm involved in two simultaneously - one with Booz Allen Hamilton and another with Develop Carolina. What a whirlwind! Through these experiences though, I feel I've already learned so much about combining technical communication and interpersonal skills. I hope to continue learning more as this apprenticeship program continues.

2) Problem-Solving - The Detective in Disguise:
Picture this: you're deep into a coding session, and suddenly you hit a wall. The code isn't working, and frustration starts to creep in. I'm sure that wasn't that hard to picture actually. This exact scenario may have even happened to you today. I mean it happened to me just yesterday. Anyways, this is where problem-solving skills come into play! Being able to approach an issue methodically, break it down into manageable parts, and find a solution is invaluable.

"First solve the problem then write the code"-John Johnson

In the SDLC, problem-solving isn't just about fixing bugs. It's about anticipating potential issues during the design phase, optimizing processes in the development phase, and ensuring quality testing. By applying critical thinking and a detective-like mindset, you can navigate obstacles and keep projects on track. Problem solving extends beyond the technology sphere of course. If you're someone like me who has always enjoyed solving puzzles(or detective work), this can be a great quality to acknowledge and take pride in. Sometimes we don’t give ourselves enough credit, but as we’ve discussed with our instructor, Chris, in class — there could be many personal successes and strengths we are not taking ownership for.

3) Adaptability — The Chameleon of the Workplace: The tech world is ever-evolving, and adaptability is your best friend. Think of adaptability as being like a chameleon, seamlessly blending into new environments and situations. Whether it’s learning a new programming language like Python, adjusting to a new project management tool like Jira, or adapting to remote work dynamics (it’s me! 😁), being flexible is key.

In the SDLC, adaptability allows you to pivot when requirements inevitably change, integrate new technologies, and respond to feedback with agility. It's about embracing change and seeing it as an opportunity for growth rather than a hurdle. That's also the beauty of this field though. In a way, you get to be life long student. I find that incredibly exciting. There is no room for boredom because technology is always evolving. Look at Chat GPT for example, we are already using the 4.0 version despite it only becoming readily accessible to the public two years ago.

4) Empathy — The Heartbeat of Team Dynamics: Empathy might not be the first skill that comes to mind in a tech-centric role, but it’s a game-changer. Empathy fosters a supportive team environment, enhances user experience, and leads to more thoughtful and user-friendly software solutions. Understanding and relating to your colleagues, stakeholders, and end-users can transform the way you work. It can also enhance the “definition of done” process when you keep the perspective of the consumer in mind. After participating in several daily standups, team syncs, and demo days over the past two weeks, I’ve learned that your team is like an orchestra where each musician(team member) plays their part in perfect harmony. It’s all connected really, and what better term to use when discussing connection than empathy?

Non-technical skills are the unsung heroes of the tech world.By leveraging communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and empathy, you can enhance your contributions to the SDLC and become a well-rounded professional. These skills not only complement your technical abilities but also set you apart as a dynamic and valuable team member.

So, next time you step into your workspace, take a moment to appreciate the full spectrum of skills you bring to the table. Embrace them, nurture them, and watch as they elevate your career in ways you never imagined. After all, it's not just about the code you write, but the impact you make.