Why It Is Important for a Product Developer to Have a Strong Technical Background
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Numerous skill sets are necessary to succeed in the professional world, but different professions require strength in differing areas. The role of a product developer has the potential to encompass a broad range of duties but the primary responsibility is to be a scientist. Although it is advantageous for an employee to possess interpersonal skills, a product developer’s primary goal is to meet goals presented to him or her in a scientific setting. Companies are reliant on their technologist and developers to aid in the production of innovative material that places the company at the front line of commercial business. That being said, it is imperative for a product developer to have a strong technical background in order to be successful in the business place.
Getting the Job
After an education, a sufficient resume is the first step in a successful career. A resume is the first platform where a potential employer will see job candidates. Job recruiters are highly trained in the art of narrowing a pool of interested applicants down to a list of a few contenders who are qualified for further interviewing. When a recruiter receives a sizeable stack of resumes, likely they will not have time to read every one in depth. This is where a technical degree is imperative. If the recruiter is looking to fill an empty product developer position at a food company, it is likely they will first narrow candidates down by degree. Applicants with degrees strong in interpersonal skills but lacking scientific basis will be expected to be thrown out first. For example, graduates with degrees in technical fields such as Food Science, Food Engineering, or Chemistry would be preferred over those with degrees in Communication, Agricultural Leadership, or Business. Recruiters will then look further to see if previous education or job experiences have provided sufficient preparation for full performance of job duties. Likely in a development role these will be learned technical knowledge and scientific experience.
Why Developers are Hired
Ultimately, product developers are hired for their technical competencies. The primary goal in any company within the food industry is to produce products or services for clients or consumers that meet or exceed customer expectations. The product development process involves many different business arenas, but is the developer’s role to formulate a new product or to improve upon an existing formula. The size of a business determines the scope of responsibility a product developer must take on. A smaller business might require a developer to interact with customers, assess market need, or even work with the sale and marketing of a new product. This type of job would require more relational skills as there would be more personal interaction. On the other hand, a developer at a large global company such as Kellogg or Nestle, will have a much smaller job scope with a higher demand for technical achievement and research. Either way, if a developer is not able to meet the primary technical requirements of his or her job description they will not be a successful developer.
Keeping the Job
If an employee is lacking the scientific talent to produce adequate results, they will not be an effective employee and will likely be terminated. There is the slight possibility that an extremely personable individual could acquire