By Joanna Clare | UK Careers Fair

In the rapidly evolving landscape of professionalism, it is absolutely essential that you possess technical expertise and are proactive towards continuous learning which will keep you at the forefront of your industry. However, have you thought of how your soft skills play a part in your career? Mastering the art of soft skills can set you on the path to a rewarding and fulfilling career. These interpersonal techniques and ability to communicate are sought after qualities that can enhance your career success by navigating challenges effectively, enhance collaborations and team work and definitely get you noticed by the right people.

Soft skills can include traits such as leadership, empathy, communication and adaptability and they form a solid foundation for healthy interaction. These skills can be developed and learnt over time while some individuals may possess natural soft skills that simply need refining.

Communication skills can often bridge gaps and allow good collaboration within a workforce while ensuring ideas are shared clearly with any issues being dealt with effectively. Empathy can allow individuals to foster understanding towards colleagues and to relate with how they feel both personally and professionally on a much deeper level.

The trait of adaptability allows you to be able to navigate through unpredictability and to embrace new technologies and different ways of doing things. With leadership, this is not confined to managerial positions as anyone can have good leadership qualities which is all about inspiring others and becoming a positive role model where others can emulate and become the best version of themselves.

Any successful career that has an element of collaboration needs soft skills as its foundation as what follows will be a mutually beneficial atmosphere based on trust and respect where colleagues are fully equipped to deal with inevitable conflict and challenges through open communications and working as a productive collective for the good of the company.

By investing in soft skills, there will be a marked shift both in the workplace and within your own personal growth. You will become more self aware and gain emotional intelligence with the ability to manage stress - all of this contributes towards a well rounded individual and you will exude a quiet confidence that attracts professional opportunities.

So, while technical expertise is essential for a career, so are soft skills. A professional who is made aware of the importance of being able to communicate effectively, show empathy, are able to adapt to situations and can lead others by example are extremely valuable assets to any company. As industries transform and new jobs are being created, soft skills are becoming just as imperative for a successful career journey as academic skills.