Microsoft Debuts Free Course On Soft Skills Required For Successful Tech Careers
Image via Microsoft
Rapidly growing in new directions, the tech world is a notoriously competitive industry. Matching its pace is challenging, especially when you don’t fit into the mold of what a person in the tech field is expected to be.
Microsoft says it’s seen far too many talented individuals quit their roles because they don’t feel welcome in their work environments. It’s unfortunate mostly for the underrepresented, who could have accomplished so much more had their companies done more to help cultivate a sense of belonging.
As such, the tech behemoth has launched a free, six-hour Growth and Resilience in Tech course addressing complications from the top-down. Here, managers and mentors will learn to create a more pleasant and engaging environment for all—no matter their background—while employees and students will be taught strategies on keeping confident and resilient in spite of unforeseen challenges.
Focused on soft skills instead of tech development, this curriculum is applicable for all. It’s designed on three pillars: “Recognizing Discomfort,” which highlights the importance of acknowledging when you’re uncomfortable and ways to face these issues; “Strategizing Solutions,” where you’ll learn to develop a process for overcoming difficult tasks while recognizing your emotional state; and “Pivot and Persist,” which addresses how to tackle the unexpected instead of giving up.
Topics from this nine-part course include developing a growth mindset, harnessing emotional intelligence, effective communication through mirroring and active listening, and giving and receiving constructive feedback.
More than anything, the toolkit aims to support minority students and workers who have had to push through the proverbial glass ceiling, Admittedly, the industry can do more to create equal opportunities and thrive from a diverse workforce, but in the meantime, these non-tech skills would be crucial in helping the underrepresented overcome the odds.
According to Microsoft’s blog post, out of the 1,200+ participants who first took the course, “97% claimed the program had a profound impact teaching them skills they can immediately apply in school and life.” You can take it here.
[via TNW, cover image via Microsoft]
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