Most Important Skills for an IT Manager at a Bay Area Biotech
Harold, an IT Manager at a Bay Area Biotech firm, believes that the most crucial skill for an IT professional is being "a decent human being," emphasizing interpersonal and communication skills as the "foundation of everything" because technical skills can be learned, but trust and collaboration are essential for success; without those skills, "no one would really want to talk to you" or bring problems to be solved, which undermines the role's value.
Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, IT Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Harold Wong
IT Manager
Public Bay Area Biotech
CUNY, NYU
NA
Computer Science
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical
Cyber Security and IT
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Interpersonal and communication skills are foundational for success in IT. Technical skills can be learned, but the ability to communicate respectfully and build trust is essential.
2. Arrogance and standoffishness can hinder an IT professional's career by making others reluctant to approach them for help or trust them with important problems.
3. An IT professional's value is tied to their ability to solve problems for others; if no one seeks their help, their role within the company is questioned.
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours?
For an IT person, the first priority is to be a decent human being. If you have good communication and a respectful demeanor, everything else can be learned. Technical skills can be found through research and playbooks.
However, if you're arrogant, snobby, or standoffish, people won't want to interact with you. This sets you up for failure and the opposite of success.
Therefore, interpersonal and communication skills are the foundation of everything. Without trust from others, you won't progress. People won't bring you problems to solve, and you'll find yourself with no one asking for your help. This then raises the question of what justifies your role within the company.
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