Blog 7: Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills

Hello everyone and welcome back to my blog!

In this blog, I will differentiate between two main types of skills any student or employer should have, which are soft and hard skills. 
This blog will give you the opportunity to discover which skills you have, and which skills you need to improve in.

So let's get started!

Many people could have an idea about the differences between the two types of skills. So, I will first make a quick distinction between them. Firstly, Soft skills are also known as "interpersonal skills." They are hidden and hard to quantify. Examples for those skills like management, communication, critical thinking, leadership, teamwork, time-management, multi-skills, and problem-solving skills. Those skills are considered to be unique for a job. On the other hand, Hard skills are teachable abilities that are easy to quantify. You can learn those skills in the classroom, training courses, or through a book. Examples for skills like reading, writing, learning languages, Microsoft Office, and statistical analyzing. 

What about me?

If you are interested to know which skills I have more than the other, I would say both!
Throughout my journey in school and university, I have developed my hard skills, especially in writing. I was suffering at school that I don't have the ability to write my thoughts down in a piece of paper. Then, I wrote so many articles and researches about different topics at the university. Thus, I made a huge jump in my hard skills. Additionally, I have experienced too many situations at the university, which helped me to develop my soft skills unconsciously. I have learned to solve problems in less than 10 minutes! Also, I come a more critically thinking person.

The education system in Qatar.

I believe that schools, especially public schools, care only about the hard skills. Because they have the assumption that education is only about reading, writing and doing homework. They are not aware of the importance of soft skills. Schools believe that having hard skills is the only valued skill students should have in order for them to enter the university. Consequently, many first-year students suffer from not having the ability to communicate proficiently with their instructors or to solve any problem they may face at the university. 

I believe that schools should have a balance between the two skills in order to help their students to become more interactive people in their daily life. 

Advantages of soft and hard skills.

Soft skills: 
1- It helps you to become a good communicator. This will help you to improve your self-esteem.
2- It helps you to become a good team leader. And because of good communication skills you, as a leader, will be able to lead your team successfully without obstacles or negativity.

Hard skills:
1- Having good computer skills will support your CV or resume when you will apply for a job.
2- Hard skills are easier to touch than soft skills. If you want to improve your computer skills, just join a computer course, and it will not take time.

Disadvantages of soft and hard skills.

Soft skills:
Those skills are less noticeable and harder to point them out than hard skills. You can't show your soft skills unless you are interacting with others. Thus, it is hard to know if you need to develop any era of your soft skills. 

Hard skills:
Those skills are very critical; because if you don't have them, you will not get a job. 

Final words: 
Don't ever hesitate to develop either you soft or hard skills. It is never too late.

Hope you enjoyed this blog.