The integration of soft skills into information technology (IT) education has become increasingly important to bridge the gap between academic preparation and industry expectations. This systematic literature review examines the current landscape of soft skills development in IT education, focusing on key competencies such as communication, self-motivation, teamwork, result-oriented attitude, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. A total of 37 relevant articles were identified through comprehensive searches of the Scopus and ACM databases, with 22 articles from Scopus and 15 from ACM meeting the inclusion criteria. The selected articles were analyzed to determine the extent to which they addressed the development of soft skills and their impact on employability among IT specialists.
The findings indicate a strong emphasis on communication skills, self-motivation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills followed closely. Result-oriented attitude and interpersonal skills were also considered important. Overall, the results suggest a growing recognition of the importance of soft skills in IT education. However, there is a need for further research to establish clear frameworks and methodologies for integrating these skills into curricula effectively. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on soft skills development in IT education and provides insights for educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders seeking to enhance the employability of IT graduates.