The Importance of Being Social in a Tech Company
Have you ever thought about the most important skill as a software developer outside of coding? While technical skills are essential, there’s another aspect that could be even more important, that is being social. I’ve been thinking a lot about the role of social skills in the tech industry and I wanted to share some thoughts and how important it is.
Networking
Let’s face it - networking is important. You’ve probably heard it a million times, but it’s true. I believe who you know matters more than what you know. You could create something amazing like the next Facebook, but if no one knows who you are, it’s like it never happened.
For example, you’ve been working hard on a feature for months, and it turns out great. But if no one knows you built it, your manager might not even notice, and you could miss out on the recognition or promotion you deserve.
Building relationships within the company ensures that your efforts don’t go unnoticed. Even if the project is small, if people know you and see what you’re working on, you’re more likely to gain attention and opportunities.
Building Strong Connections
It’s not just about recognition, having strong connections with your coworkers makes collaboration easier. If you’re constantly engaging with your team and building a strong bond, it becomes much smoother to ask for help when needed.
You’re stuck on a bug for hours. Instead of struggling alone, if you’ve built a solid connection with someone, you can reach out without feeling awkward. Having that comfort level with your coworkers can make problem-solving faster and more enjoyable. You don’t want to be the person who only reaches out when something is wrong; being present and friendly makes your presence more liked.
Building Strong Connections Future Job Opportunities
Social connections can also open up new opportunities down the road. Imagine one of your coworkers leaves the company and months later offers you a referral at their new workplace. Referrals can significantly boost your chances of landing a job, especially when the job market is tough.
Building a network of people who trust you as a developer can make all the difference when it comes to finding new roles. Instead of stressing over applications, you’ll have connections vouching for you.
Conclusion
Being social is often overlooked in the tech world because of the main focus being put on your technical abilities, but being social also plays a crucial role in career growth. Networking, building connections, and opening doors for future opportunities are all key benefits of being socially engaged at work.
I’ve personally found that being social and outgoing has helped me grow faster in my career and meet people I wouldn’t have connected with otherwise.
So, if you’re in tech and you’re not social, I’d encourage you to give it a try. The rewards, both personally and professionally, are worth it. Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
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