“I’m going to play games, write games, make really cool apps and make a lot of money. I can drop out of school like lots of guys do and still be rich! Right?”
While most kids may not have quite articulated these thoughts – at least not out loud, some of this probably lingers in the minds of many students who would prefer not to learn parts of speech, where to place a comma, or how to compose a well–written letter or email. Coding camps abound and the app and game industries are exploding. The ability to text with acronyms (C U B4 10) and emoji’s may be seen as more relevant and immediate than dealing with a mis-placed modifier. Not so fast…..
Here’s what some of the actual techies and their bosses have to say about communication skills:
From Lisa Davis, CHRS CWPC who is Director of Agency Solutions:
“If you want to secure a career--any career--it is critical that you learn how to communicate verbally as well as in writing. This skill can only enhance your technical abilities. Great communicators may have few technical skills, but will still have a solid network of influencers, colleagues, and friends. I am baffled at the number of ‘techies’ who have great technical skills but suffer because they haven't learned how to compose a professional email, or even worse, how to have a nuanced conversation about a difficult situation with the C+ Suite. At the end of the day, humans make decisions. You must play well with others in the sandbox.”
From Dan Sorin, Automation Test Analyst:
“Before I started working in the IT area I imagined that the job of a software developer/tester was to stay all day in front of a PC and write code/test the application without being bothered by others. However on my side (Automation Test Analyst) this is not enough. You need to know coding, to know how to make estimation, to be able to make reports, to be able to communicate with the developers, to be able to make some analysis, to be organized and to be able to make a presentations to others about your work and the importance of your work.
And from Nichole Lambert with Edupreneur, who specializes in classroom technology management and integration:
“…Many do not understand or realize that successful programmers have a broad set of skills and competencies - communication, writing, critical thinking, analysis and a bit of artistic design ability.”
So there it is, kids… no escaping! You need to develop your skills in reading, writing and arithmetic (along with your coding skills). You also need to be as prepared as possible for the myriad of jobs and opportunities of your futures that have yet to be invented or imagined. Remember, robots and drones must first be designed, developed and tested before they can take over your jobs. Be ready!
While most kids may not have quite articulated these thoughts – at least not out loud, some of this probably lingers in the minds of many students who would prefer not to learn parts of speech, where to place a comma, or how to compose a well–written letter or email. Coding camps abound and the app and game industries are exploding. The ability to text with acronyms (C U B4 10) and emoji’s may be seen as more relevant and immediate than dealing with a mis-placed modifier. Not so fast…..
Here’s what some of the actual techies and their bosses have to say about communication skills:
From Lisa Davis, CHRS CWPC who is Director of Agency Solutions:
“If you want to secure a career--any career--it is critical that you learn how to communicate verbally as well as in writing. This skill can only enhance your technical abilities. Great communicators may have few technical skills, but will still have a solid network of influencers, colleagues, and friends. I am baffled at the number of ‘techies’ who have great technical skills but suffer because they haven't learned how to compose a professional email, or even worse, how to have a nuanced conversation about a difficult situation with the C+ Suite. At the end of the day, humans make decisions. You must play well with others in the sandbox.”
From Dan Sorin, Automation Test Analyst:
“Before I started working in the IT area I imagined that the job of a software developer/tester was to stay all day in front of a PC and write code/test the application without being bothered by others. However on my side (Automation Test Analyst) this is not enough. You need to know coding, to know how to make estimation, to be able to make reports, to be able to communicate with the developers, to be able to make some analysis, to be organized and to be able to make a presentations to others about your work and the importance of your work.
And from Nichole Lambert with Edupreneur, who specializes in classroom technology management and integration:
“…Many do not understand or realize that successful programmers have a broad set of skills and competencies - communication, writing, critical thinking, analysis and a bit of artistic design ability.”
So there it is, kids… no escaping! You need to develop your skills in reading, writing and arithmetic (along with your coding skills). You also need to be as prepared as possible for the myriad of jobs and opportunities of your futures that have yet to be invented or imagined. Remember, robots and drones must first be designed, developed and tested before they can take over your jobs. Be ready!
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