Importance of Soft Skills in building IT careers

Importance of Soft Skills in building IT careers
A lot has changed over the decade in IT industry and the related career options; however, one thing that has stayed true is the relevance of Soft skills that have played pivotal role in building IT careers. You may feel that you can easily carve out an IT professional out of a coding master and have a secret recipe to become an app developer or bagging a job easily in an ITES brand, but without the right soft skills the dream will simply be unattained. Really the secret to success in an IT career is not the technical skills only. Soft skills constitute of that 20% of the Pareto that brings 80% of success in stepping onto the career ladder. Soft skills refer to a person’s Personality traits. They often do not get taught in IT educational institutions or easily acquired by students through numerous learning opportunities. The World Economic Forum Report of 2020 suggested people management, emotional intelligence, coordinating with others and critical thinking to be among the most important Soft skills required in the workplace to excel and keep pace.

So, what are Soft Skills?
Soft Skills are personal traits that affect and influence the way you can work or interact with others. The characteristics of any business relationship at workplace are based upon how one forms and maintains relationships with their team workers. Trust and dependability on others, initiative taking and listening abilities will determine your behaviours at workplace.

Organisations tend to undervalue these skills and invest much lesser in upskilling their task force in these skills than the hard skills.

How do these Soft Skills gain importance in IT sector?
In most cases of IT stalwarts have taken hands-on experience by tinkering their computer in their garages or their unpaid internships. It reinforces how technical skills are much easier to cultivate and develop on the job than some of the soft skills. IT jobs may come in different bandwidths and pay scales, but these can be explored and acquired by showcasing the right soft skills in the selection rounds and at the workplaces.

Then, which are the Soft Skills that one must instil to have a rocking career in IT
1. Communication Skills

Almost every IT job requires good levels of communication skills – written and verbal play a pivotal part in determining how well you can communicate on emails and explain technical concepts to your juniors. Meeting communication will define how the tech ideas are shared and well understood by the co-workers. Security issues can increase due to the inability of a team leader to communicate right instructions and checklist to his team. As a manager, you will need to understand the verbal and non-verbal nuances of your team to delegate tasks, develop the right skills and retain the essential talent.

Just the end user’s profile and usability is important in a better application and its products, effective communication will reflect when one understands two sides of the communication process at workplaces. The ability to adjust your communication parameters and the lack of it can create ripple effect in the team. The entire team would face an escalation or consequences by the management because one person wasn’t able to effectively communicate and make his team understand the context and objectives well.

2. Empathy

Building technological tools is keeping in mind the psyche and feasibility study done from the end user’s objective. Take an example, a Marketing hire will be required to analyse the market trends and the buying psyche of an individual in his daily life. Likewise, a Tech professional or designers will need to understand and empathize the end user to resolve the issues in his product or services. The sheer lack of understanding and achieving the right fit will add to the miscommunication errors and the resulting costs.

Ability to empathize others will only augment the ability to help, collaborate and get tasks done far more efficiently by any engineer or team lead.

3. Creativity

Creativity is a broad spectrum to what one could easily say as ‘means to an end’. This skill requires one to think out-of-the-box, find alternative and innovative solutions to problems. Creative and critical thinkers have flexible mindsets and are prepared to brainstorm for many ideas. They are also ready to accept solutions from different team members. Although it may not be one of the yardsticks while hiring an IT professional, it is that skill that can set them apart from the herd. One of the major challenge today for IT sector is to find super solutions in a far more creative and feasible ways and cater to dynamic business needs of their client base.

4. Collaboration

As much as a tech professional deals with complex problems in his tools and codes, he can succumb to complex people issues. IT hires are mostly in the early age groups with a millennial mindset, they have high expectations from their employers. The ability to interact, anticipate and synergize diverse minds and talent to common goal will manifest into a good collaborative leader. To build champion and large teams in an IT workplace, one needs to foster communication, trust, and responsiveness. This Soft Skill will make one’s life easier, enrich work relationships, open the doors of communication and workflows, and position yourself well in organisational success.

5. Project Management

As an IT professional, you are expected to juggle multiple projects, meeting the right deadlines is highly critical. Despite holding large teams, one will need to make a blueprint of goals and deliverables and work with each stakeholder to resolve issues in the project. Refined project management skills will earn you more brownie points in form of larger projects, more visibility and accolades, and leadership positions.

It is highly common to undervalue the importance and relevance of these Soft Skills or overestimate your current Technical skills as a one-stop solution to all complex issues. You may be strong in your coding skills or technical know-how, but may rarely proceed to next level in the organisation because of the sheer lack of soft skills. These 5 skills will not only help you to pass the selection process but also make you a most-sought after employee at your workplace and a far more fulfilled career growth.

In today’s competitive, volatile and lean organisations, soft skills are important assets for any IT professional if they wish to stand out, open fruitful career options, and add equity to their Persona in rapid pace.

The Future of Hotel Management Education: Why You Should Choose It

Introduction:
The hotel management sector is a dynamic one that is essential to the global economy. The need for qualified experts in hotel management has never been greater due to the growth of tourism and hospitality. In order to fulfil these needs, hotel management education has evolved, providing a thorough curriculum that provides students the tools they need to succeed in this fast-paced industry. This article explores the future of hotel management education, why you should choose it, and the benefits it offers.

The Future of Hotel Management:
The future of hotel management is bright and promising, shaped by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and global economic trends. Here are some key aspects that define the future of this industry:

1.Technological Integration: Technology is revolutionising the hotel industry. From AI-driven customer service to automated check-ins and smart rooms, the integration of technology is enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency. Hotel management education is incorporating these advancements into their curriculum to prepare students for the tech-savvy future of hospitality.

2.Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices: With the growing awareness of environmental issues, sustainability is becoming a core focus in the hospitality industry. To lessen their carbon footprint, hotels are implementing eco-friendly procedures. Hotel management programs are emphasising sustainable practices, teaching students how to implement green initiatives in their future workplaces.

3.Personalised Guest Experiences: Modern travellers seek personalised experiences tailored to their preferences. The future of hotel management lies in understanding and anticipating guest needs. Educational programs are training students in customer relationship management (CRM) and data analytics to deliver personalised services.

4.Global Opportunities: The hospitality industry is truly global, offering diverse opportunities around the world. As international travel continues to grow, there is a rising demand for hotel managers who understand different cultures and can manage diverse teams. Hotel management education is focusing on global perspectives, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in various international settings.

5.Health and Safety: The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of health and safety in the hospitality industry. Future hotel managers need to be adept at implementing rigorous health protocols and managing crises. Educational programs are now including health and safety management as a critical component of their curriculum.

Why You Should Choose Hotel Management
Choosing a career in hotel management can be incredibly rewarding.The following are some strong reasons in favour of this field:

1.Diverse Career Opportunities: Hotel management offers a wide range of career paths, from front desk operations and housekeeping to event planning and food and beverage management. This diversity allows individuals to find their niche and specialise in areas they are passionate about.

2.Global Career Prospects: The hospitality industry is a global industry. A degree in hotel management opens doors to opportunities around the world. Whether you want to work in a luxury resort in the Maldives or a bustling city hotel in New York, the possibilities are endless.

3.Dynamic Work Environment: No two days are the same in the hotel industry. The dynamic nature of the work keeps it exciting and engaging. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and dealing with different challenges daily, hotel management is an excellent choice.

4.Creative Opportunities: The hotel industry values creativity. From designing unique guest experiences to planning events, there are numerous opportunities to showcase your creative talents. This creativity can lead to high job satisfaction and personal fulfilment.

5.Interpersonal Skills Development: Working in the hospitality industry requires excellent interpersonal skills. Hotel management programs emphasise communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, which are valuable in any career path.

6.Lucrative Salaries and Benefits: The hospitality industry can be highly lucrative, especially in senior management positions. Hotels often offer competitive salaries, bonuses, and benefits, making it a financially rewarding career choice.

Perks of Choosing Hotel Management
1.Hands-On Experience: Hotel management education often includes internships and practical training, giving students hands-on experience in real-world settings. Students benefit greatly from this hands-on experience as it helps them prepare for their future employment.

2.Networking Opportunities: Hotel management programs provide ample networking opportunities with industry professionals. Career growth and job placements may result from these contacts.

3.Personal Growth: A career in hotel management promotes personal growth. It challenges individuals to develop problem-solving skills, adaptability, and resilience. These qualities are beneficial not only professionally but also personally.

4.Travel Opportunities: A career in hotel management can offer opportunities to travel and work in different parts of the world. This can be an exciting prospect for those who enjoy exploring new cultures and environments.

5.Job Security: The hospitality industry is resilient and continues to grow despite economic fluctuations. This stability offers job security for those in the field.

6.Contribution to Guest Satisfaction: One of the most rewarding aspects of hotel management is contributing to guest satisfaction. Creating memorable experiences for guests can be deeply fulfilling and motivate individuals to excel in their roles.

Conclusion
Hotel management education is evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry. With a focus on technology, sustainability, personalised guest experiences, and global perspectives, it prepares students for a successful career in hospitality. Choosing hotel management as a career offers diverse opportunities, global prospects, dynamic work environments, and personal growth. The perks of this career path include hands-on experience, networking opportunities, job security, and the satisfaction of contributing to guest happiness. As the industry continues to grow, so do the opportunities for those who choose to pursue hotel management education.

IIMB’s Executive Education| Executive Education| Education

IIMB aims to expand IIM executive education and to enhance the skills of practicing managers around the world to prepare them for changing roles in a changing world. Participants also receive valuable information from intensive interaction with other organizations on developments in management concepts and their applicability in the new global context.Hierarchies of traditional management deteriorate as the most dispersed organizations become virtual institutions. Global markets and sources of supply, all organizations, regardless of industry size. The intellectual content of the work is changing dramatically. Organizations strive to improve response time, quality and cost in response to extreme competitive pressure; horizontal management of all organizational functions requires new skills. The needs of all stakeholders affect employees business decisions. IIMB responds to these requirements by preparing managers for the rapid impact of technology on business and changes in the competitive environment.Executive education programs are designed to improve the skills of executives and institutions of IIMB diploma programs.Executive education programs include:• Open programs rely on research and the experience of teachers in various administrative disciplines and attract participants from different organizations. This consists of short and long term programs.• The personal programs offered by the Institute are designed to meet the specific needs of organizations.• Provide international programs for global practitioners, in collaboration with the best international schools and universities.IIMB offers open and personal programs. Open programs are short-term programs (SDP) or long-term programs (LDPs).SDPs continues for 3-5 days and addresses some of the problems experienced by industry professionals based on the research interests of our faculty members.PLDs are part-time programs that are offered from 2 to 12 months. Meet the needs of public management in business skills or in the field of business analysis, entrepreneurship or finance.The diversity of participants in open programs greatly contributes to mutual learning and provides continuous networking opportunities outside the classroom. These programs are implemented at the IIMB campus. IIMB will grant a participation certificate to participants upon successful completion of the software (s).The Executive Management Graduate Program (EPGP) is a one-year intensive residential program for IIM Indore. EPGP is specifically designed to improve knowledge, skills abilities to manage and guide organizations, and combines the development of skills and the exploration of good management practices. The program is accredited by the Association of Business Administration (AMBA) London (UK) in 2016. In addition to the integrated functional master unit, there are specific market trends in the field of analytics, BFSI,, Operations, Strategy, etc.IIM executive education programs are one of the most expansive management programs in India, with a portfolio of more than 200 programs. Our goal is to help develop leaders and this is reflected in our academy. Our programs include many programs that you can use to improve your personal and professional development.Each program is designed to meet the needs of different executives at different points in their career, helping them improve their skills and progress. Whether as an entrepreneur, general manager or general manager, their programs and faculty will facilitate their growth and thus the profitability of their organization, leading to improved leadership and strategic skills. In addition, interactions with their other high-performing counterparts will enrich their experience and knowledge.Executive Directors who a total of 21 days in one or more programs from the IIMA Graduates Association, a group of influential people around the world, which will help you increase your vision and leadership.