Communication skills rank high on the list of career skills necessary for success in the quickly-growing Internet of Things (IoT) field, according to a new survey from Northeastern University-Silicon Valley.
The university surveyed more than 500 members of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the responses yielded surprising findings about the challenges facing the IoT field.
Nearly 60 percent (58.8 percent) of survey respondents said those working in the IoT field need communications skills, including an ability to explain ideas or concepts clearly and effectively.
That compares to just 19.5 percent of respondents who cited deep industry knowledge as the most relevant skill, and 14 percent who cited collaboration.
(Next page: Biggest challenges and the main obstacles in the industry)
Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland's prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Latest posts by Laura Ascione (see all) - Weak tech could push students, faculty to other institutions - April 13, 2026
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