--- title: 5 Soft Skills Tech Nerds Need description: Cybersecurity analysts, data scientists, software developers and network engineers all need technical skills to succeed. But soft skills are just as important for career advancement. Hiring managers hire professionals who can communicate clearly and confidently. image: https://www.uattech.com/hubfs/image%20(5).png --- [![image-26](https://www.uattech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Marketing/Logos/image-26.png?width=99&name=image-26.png "image-26")](https://www.uat.edu/) ** - [Home](https://www.uattech.com) - [Majors](http://www.uat.edu/advancing-technology-degrees) - [About UAT](https://www.uat.edu/about-uat) - [Request More Information](https://www.uat.edu/request-info) [![Take a Virtual, Interactive Tour ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3455363/92ff0e66-7821-430b-88c3-a32c82c5bda2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3455363/92ff0e66-7821-430b-88c3-a32c82c5bda2) # University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog ALL CATEGORIES - [all Categories](https://www.uattech.com) - [ Advancing Computer Science ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/advancing-computer-science) - [ Advertising Art ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/advertising-art) - [ Artificial Intelligence ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/artificial-intelligence) - [ Business Technology ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/business-technology) - [ Cyber Security ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/cyber-security) - [ Data Science ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/data-science) - [ Digital Maker and Fabrication ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/digital-maker-and-fabrication) - [ Digital Marketing ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/digital-marketing) - [ Digital Video ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/digital-video) - [ Game Studies ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/game-studies) - [ Human Computer Interaction ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/human-computer-interaction) - [ Robotics and Embedded Systems ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/robotics-and-embedded-sytems) - [ Software Engineering ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/software-engineering) - [ Virtual Reality ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/virtual-reality) - [ Alumni ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/alumni) - [ Behind the Bits Magazine ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/behind-the-bits) - [ Career and Work ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/career-and-work) - [ Competitions ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/competitions) - [ Events ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/events) - [ Geek411 Magazine ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/geek-411) - [ Graduate Studies ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/graduate-studies) - [ Military ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/military) - [ People, Places and Things ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/people-places-and-things) - [ Perimeter83 ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/Perimeter83) - [ Student Innovation Project (SIP) ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/student-innovation-project) - [ Student Work ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/student-work) - [ Technology News ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/technology-news) - [ UAT Life ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/UAT-life) - [ UAT News ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/UAT-news) [Business Technology](https://www.uattech.com/tag/business-technology), [Career and Work](https://www.uattech.com/tag/career-and-work)   |   5 Min Read ## 5 Soft Skills Tech Nerds Need ![Picture of James Bingaman](https://www.uattech.com/hubfs/Logos,%20Buttons,%20Icons%20(Non%20UAT)/UAT-Logo-new.jpg) [ Written by James Bingaman ](https://www.uattech.com/author/james-bingaman) In my short time with UAT, I have been fortunate enough to interact with talented students, incredible professors and some top-notch industry professionals. The knowledge they have in STEM is awe-inspiring, but at the end of the day, to be successful in any industry, you must possess more than just technical skills. As a communications scholar, I know first-hand the communication skills you need to master to be successful. These are the things you won't put on your skills list on your resume, but they are the things you need to *show* others you have. **![image (5)](https://www.uattech.com/hubfs/image%20(5).png)** **Public Speaking ** As a former instructor of public speaking, I can tell you that this is the most important professional skill you can develop. You may be the smartest person in the company, but if you cannot properly express yourself in a room full of your peers, it’s going to be tough for you to be successful. More than 70% of the American population has a fear of public speaking (Glossophobia). The best way to overcome your fears? Get organized. Practice. Record yourself. Practice some more. Focus on the material, not the audience. Practice.   **Verbal Communication ** Similar to public speaking, verbal communication is a skill you must have because if you cannot interact with your boss, peers, customers or anybody else you come across in a professional setting, you will be labeled as “difficult” to work with. While you may be a quiet type, try actively engaging others with small talk. Although a typical workday is 8 hours long, it’s impossible to work the entire time. When there is a lull, go talk with a colleague or your boss. On the flip side, make sure you are open with your communication regarding your work. If you are struggling or if you made a mistake, let somebody know. Don’t try to do it yourself. The more open you are, the more respect you will get.   **Written Communication** I could write an entire essay on the importance of writing. However, I will save you the time and just tell you this: Make sure you proofread everything. If you need help with this, give [Grammarly](https://www.grammarly.com/) a try. Master the art of the cold email. Also, make sure you understand the “email loop." If you email somebody, and they provide you with a response, make sure you close the loop by responding and thanking them for their time or their response. ![computer-3368242_1920](https://www.uattech.com/hubfs/computer-3368242_1920.jpg) **Non-Verbal Communication ** Have you ever heard the term, “Fake it until you make it”? While you may be a little quiet, or you may be lacking in self-esteem, you must appear confident. Your non-verbal cues are the biggest indicator of your confidence. So, stop slouching, have a firm handshake, look people in the eyes and walk around like you own the place.   **Public Speaking ** Oh, this isn’t a mistake. Public speaking is so important it’s on the list twice. Like the famous Patches O'Houlihan said, "Remember the 5 D's of dodgeball: Dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge." Remember the five soft skills you need. Public Speaking. Verbal Communication. Written Communication. Non-Verbal Communication. And, Public Speaking. Need help mastering these soft skills? Send me an [email](mailto:jbingaman@uat.edu)! - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.uattech.com/5-soft-skills-tech-nerds-need&title=5%20Soft%20Skills%20Tech%20Nerds%20Need&picture=https://learn.uat.edu/hubfs/image%20%285%29.png&description=Cybersecurity%20analysts,%20data%20scientists,%20software%20developers%20and%20network%20engineers%20all%20need%20technical%20skills%20to%20succeed.%20But%20soft%20skills%20are%20just%20as%20important%20for%20career%20advancement.%20Hiring%20managers%20hire%20professionals%20who%20can%20communicate%20clearly%20and%20confidently.) - [** ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://www.uattech.com/5-soft-skills-tech-nerds-need&text=5%20Soft%20Skills%20Tech%20Nerds%20Need) - [** ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.uattech.com/5-soft-skills-tech-nerds-need&title=5%20Soft%20Skills%20Tech%20Nerds%20Need&summary=Cybersecurity%20analysts,%20data%20scientists,%20software%20developers%20and%20network%20engineers%20all%20need%20technical%20skills%20to%20succeed.%20But%20soft%20skills%20are%20just%20as%20important%20for%20career%20advancement.%20Hiring%20managers%20hire%20professionals%20who%20can%20communicate%20clearly%20and%20confidently.) - [** ](mailto:?subject=5%20Soft%20Skills%20Tech%20Nerds%20Need&body=5%20Soft%20Skills%20Tech%20Nerds%20Need%20https://www.uattech.com/5-soft-skills-tech-nerds-need) ### Don't forget to share this post! - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.uattech.com/5-soft-skills-tech-nerds-need&title=5%20Soft%20Skills%20Tech%20Nerds%20Need&picture=https://learn.uat.edu/hubfs/image%20%285%29.png&description=Cybersecurity%20analysts,%20data%20scientists,%20software%20developers%20and%20network%20engineers%20all%20need%20technical%20skills%20to%20succeed.%20But%20soft%20skills%20are%20just%20as%20important%20for%20career%20advancement.%20Hiring%20managers%20hire%20professionals%20who%20can%20communicate%20clearly%20and%20confidently.) - [** ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://www.uattech.com/5-soft-skills-tech-nerds-need&text=5%20Soft%20Skills%20Tech%20Nerds%20Need) - [** ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.uattech.com/5-soft-skills-tech-nerds-need&title=5%20Soft%20Skills%20Tech%20Nerds%20Need&summary=Cybersecurity%20analysts,%20data%20scientists,%20software%20developers%20and%20network%20engineers%20all%20need%20technical%20skills%20to%20succeed.%20But%20soft%20skills%20are%20just%20as%20important%20for%20career%20advancement.%20Hiring%20managers%20hire%20professionals%20who%20can%20communicate%20clearly%20and%20confidently.) - [** ](mailto:?subject=5%20Soft%20Skills%20Tech%20Nerds%20Need&body=5%20Soft%20Skills%20Tech%20Nerds%20Need%20https://www.uattech.com/5-soft-skills-tech-nerds-need) ### Comment ## Related Articles [Cyber Security](https://www.uattech.com/tag/cyber-security) [UAT News](https://www.uattech.com/tag/uat-news) ### [Top Arizona Cybersecurity University Hosts FBI Cyber Academy for Second Consecutive Year](https://www.uattech.com/top-arizona-cybersecurity-university-hosts-fbi-cyber-academy-for-second-consecutive-year) [![Picture of UAT Staff Writer](https://www.uattech.com/hubfs/UATTECH-AUTHOR-LOGO.png) UAT Staff Writer ](https://www.uattech.com/author/uat-staff-writer) 5 Min Read [Business Technology](https://www.uattech.com/tag/business-technology) [UAT News](https://www.uattech.com/tag/uat-news) ### [UAT's Business Technology Degree: Where Business Meets Tech](https://www.uattech.com/lead-the-future-business-technology-degree) As technology continues to reshape how organizations operate, leaders who understand both business strategy and technical systems are in high demand. University of Advancing Technology (UAT) offers a ... [![Picture of Mason Wang](https://www.uattech.com/hubfs/Mason%20Jyun%20Wang%20UAT%20Software%20Engineering.png) Mason Wang ](https://www.uattech.com/author/mason-wang) 5 Min Read [Game Studies](https://www.uattech.com/tag/game-studies) [Career and Work](https://www.uattech.com/tag/career-and-work) ### [How a UAT Game Design Degree Led to Working on Avatar](https://www.uattech.com/how-a-uat-game-design-degree-led-to-working-on-avatar) University of Advancing Technology (UAT) alumni Erik Link graduated in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Game Design. Today, he works in motion capture and virtual production on some of the most ... [![Picture of Lisa Ramirez](https://www.uattech.com/hubfs/Lisa%20Ramirez.png) Lisa Ramirez ](https://www.uattech.com/author/lisa-ramirez) 5 Min Read [![UAT-Logo-new](https://www.uattech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos,%20Buttons,%20Icons%20(Non%20UAT)/UAT-Logo-new.jpg?width=151&name=UAT-Logo-new.jpg "UAT-Logo-new")](https://www.uat.edu/) UAT Tech is a blog by the University of Advancing Technology - [** ](https://www.instagram.com/uatedu) - [** ](https://twitter.com/uatedu) - [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/uatedu) - [** ](https://www.youtube.com/user/UATProductions) Want More? - [Learn More About UAT](https://www.uat.edu/request-info) - [Apply Now](https://uatfastapp.com/) - [Student Life Blog](https://blog.uat.edu/) Contact Us **Email: [ admissions@uat.edu ](mailto:admissions@uat.edu) **Phone: [ +1 800-658-5744 ](tel:+1%20800-658-5744) **Address: 2625 W Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283 Copyright @ 2026.The University of Advancing Technology.