Soft skills complement technical expertise, says academic

English language proficiency, teamwork, creativity and adaptability are essential soft skills that complement technical expertise and contribute to long-term career success, said S. Sankar, Advisor, IQAC Cluster India, and former Principal of Akkineni Nageswara Rao College, Gudivada.

Delivering a lecture on “Communicate, Collaborate and Create: English for Technocrats in the AI Era”, organised by the Department of English at Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education (Deemed to be University), Vijayawada, on Wednesday, Mr. Sankar said these competencies enable aspiring technocrats to become effective communicators and lifelong learners capable of thriving in rapidly evolving global work environments.

Registrar and Head of the Department of English M. Ravichand underscored the growing importance of English communication skills in the age of Artificial Intelligence. While AI tools are reshaping workplaces, he said, human creativity, critical thinking and communication continue to play a crucial role. He urged students to strengthen these abilities to remain competitive in the future job market.

Director (Infrastructure and Consultancy) B. Pandu Ranga Rao highlighted the value of collaboration and innovation in professional life. He encouraged students to make effective use of such academic programmes to enhance their confidence, communication skills and employability.

Assistant Head of the Department of English B. Neelambaram said communication skills are as important as technical competence in today’s competitive environment. Engineers who communicate effectively are better positioned for professional growth and success, he observed, while urging students to continuously improve their language and interpersonal skills to meet industry expectations.