To explore this topic further and discuss the importance of soft skills, we spoke with professor Pablo Hernández and student counselor Víctor Lutz, so that they could share their perspectives—from their respective roles—on the development and integration of these skills within the education system.
Soft Skills: What They Are and How to Develop Them
Soft skills, also known as social, interpersonal, or non-technical skills, are personal and social characteristics that go beyond technical knowledge and relate to how we interact and build relationships with others.
In the field of technology, these skills are becoming increasingly important due to the collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of many technology projects.
Pablo.
Ever since he graduated, Pablo felt it was important to dispel the stereotype of tech graduates as “four-walled mice,” as many people perceived them. So he began working with the faculty’s Software Factory department to offer elective courses on this topic, and the following electives were added to the curriculum: Communication Management, Team Skills, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Techniques, and Management Skills.
The students showed such a strong interest that these courses were upgraded from electives to required courses.
“The focus of the courses has always been on the human aspect—providing students with the tools they need to perform better when they start working at a company,” explains Pablo, adding, “These courses even help students develop their final projects, which is the first tangible step where they interact with a client and work in a team with different roles.”
“Soft skills are personal and social attributes that enable us to interact effectively with others, adapt to different situations, and perform successfully in the workplace and in life in general.”
They focus on aspects such as:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Creativity,
- Emotional intelligence
- Adaptability
- Flexibility
- Human values
- Negotiation skills
And many other skills related to human interaction.
"In the field of technology, these skills are becoming increasingly important due to the collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of many technology projects," explains Pablo.
For his part, Víctor emphasizes the importance of communication skills such as speaking, writing, and nonverbal communication, which accounts for 75% of communication. He notes that the curriculum covers topics such as collaboration, conflict, skills, negotiation, and mediation.
For Victor, the education system is the ideal place to develop these skills.
They promote active listening, learn to work as a team, respect others' ideas, and make the most of diverse perspectives.
“Students and professionals will join an organization, guided by human relationships, to carry out a task with a group of people they don’t know and where they’ll need to adapt quickly,” he says, adding, “That’s why interpersonal relationships are central to teamwork, where the ‘task within the process’ comes into play as we strive to develop the best possible product.”
“While the team works through technical issues, a network of relationships and connections is simultaneously taking shape that makes the process possible; therefore, communication is a key factor,” says Víctor.
“Communication should be viewed as a skill rather than merely an everyday occurrence—one so routine that we assume the other person, whether a colleague or a client, automatically understands what we’re saying. Therefore, it’s essential to develop the ability to convey clear messages and the ability to listen,” he explains.
Another key point is negotiation, which becomes particularly important during times of conflict or crisis. He reflects: “We are human, and conflict will always be a part of our lives. That is why it is essential to have a clear understanding of it so we can address these situations and work toward resolving them, whether within the team or with the client.”
Leadership Development
For both Pablo and Víctor, soft skills also play an important role in developing effective leaders—leaders who know their teams, can recognize others’ needs, and know how to identify roles and resolve conflicts.
The university education system can provide opportunities for students to take on leadership roles in academic projects or other extracurricular activities.
Effective leadership requires communication skills, conflict resolution, and the ability to motivate teams, among other things.
By developing these skills during their college years, students will be better prepared to take on leadership roles in their professional lives.
In conclusion, Pablo notes, “We are convinced that this is the way forward; these skills can be taught, trained, and improved. They are applicable and necessary in various work environments and contexts, and they complement technical skills to achieve optimal job performance, effective collaboration, and the development of strong relationships with others.”