Teaching the importance of communication in IT

Many IT employers complain that their employees, especially new graduates, have a solid technical background but lack adequate oral and written communications skills, a critical attribute. In this study, communication skills include: possessing strong written and spoken English; helping customers understand their requirements; asking questions (for example, in an interview situation); responding to questions quickly and concisely; establishing trust with the customer; and, clearly illustrating a systems purpose. Communication skills are crucial for a successful IT career. Many IT students feel they must only know the nuts and bolts of their profession. But to move up the ranks of management, and even for those more interested in the technology side, proper communication skills are essential. Educators can integrate communication skills into an information systems core course to provide cohesion within the IS discipline.