While the need for technical competency in a developer position is a given, there are a variety of other skills that can increase your career success. If you want to take your .NET development work from every day to awesome, consider developing in these key skills areas. Here are our tips for how to be an awesome .NET developer.
Problem Solving
When it comes down to it, all development efforts are based on your ability to solve problems. Whether it is creating a new solution to fill a gap in the user experience, or troubleshooting an issue in an existing piece of software, problem solving is a core skill for this kind of work. The ability to employ critical-thinking techniques to break down a problem into logical steps, and the ability to turn those steps into an effective development plan, can help separate the great .NET developers from the so-so ones. Whether you are troubleshooting a framework issue or working to solve a compact mobile suite glitch, being able to figure out a viable solution is essential.
Communication Skills
Even as the number of communication tools available continue to increase, the ability to communicate effectively is as valuable as ever. Whether this involves breaking down complex technical information to share with clients or co-workers who are not as familiar with the industry terminology and jargon, or the ability to collaborate with other team members to ensure you are working towards a common goal, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is critical to the overall success of your position. As a .NET developer, your technical knowledge is likely more refined than some of your colleagues. In order to communicate your part of the project and welcome others into the discussion, you need to be able to explain a lot things that you may think are simple concepts. A patient, friendly explanation will take you a long way.
Teamwork
Much of IT work is team-based, so being able to work well with other .NET developers, BAs, Scrum Masters, and supervisors is critical. This goes double for projects that require input from multiple departments or skill areas, as the success or failure of one component can have a cascading effect on the tasks that follow.
Self-Sufficiency
While highlighting self-sufficiency and teamwork may seem contradictory, both are used in their own way. While working as a team may be required for projects, it is important that you are able to solve many of your own problems without outside assistance. This may include conducting research or furthering your education to make sure your foundational knowledge is strong, as constantly requiring assistance from supervisors or co-workers may not reflect favorably once you have been established in a position. For instance, you may attend a developer conference about coding best-practices to give you an edge in this ever changing industry.
Flexibility
In the development world, change is the name of the game. Whether it is shifting priorities based on the appearance of a critical need, or a fundamental shift in a project goal, being able to adapt is a necessity. The ability to remain calm in the face of adversity is a key component to your career growth, as you will not appear as flexible if change is met with unnecessary negative feedback.
If you are looking for additional guidance on how these tips improve your odds for workplace success, or would like to find out about new employment opportunities in your area, the talent advisors at ESP can help guide you to your next opportunity. Contact ESP today!
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