On Career Development as a Software Engineer

Hi!

Can anyone suggest a good book on career development as a Software Engineer?

I hope to gain a promotion but due to my poor soft skills, I think I need some improvements.

I am great in my programming skills but my team leader recognizes my weak point as a communicator and so do I.

In my field of work, I need to communicate with customers as well as my team mates.

How should I make improvements?

Thanks.

Best way to learn is by observing others. For example, having role models.

You can try a number of things to improve your communications skills

1. I improved a lot by blogging
2. Become a good listener. Try to see others' point of view.
3. Have role models like your immediate boss or manager and see how they are communicating and learn from them.
4. Handle criticisms well.

Alan,
See if there is a Toastmasters.org club near where you live or work. Dues are really inexpensive. And the whole focus is on communication and feedback. Forcing you to become better at your soft skills.

Alan Blass wrote:Hi!

Can anyone suggest a good book on career development as a Software Engineer?

I hope to gain a promotion but due to my poor soft skills, I think I need some improvements.

I am great in my programming skills but my team leader recognizes my weak point as a communicator and so do I.

In my field of work, I need to communicate with customers as well as my team mates.

How should I make improvements?

Thanks.

Learn a little bit. Make your own projects. Do part time coding in company, even if its unpaid. Then watch them beg you to join - pay negotiable