In regards to the comments about engineers. My DH is a director of a division of a company that makes software for engineers and scientists (as well as several other fields). He's responsible for about 300 engineers, mathematicians, or scientists who support the sales people, world wide. He describes himself as the business guy who makes sure all of the geniuses are OK. The nature of the work these people do requires excellent social and communication skills, and from what he describes, it is very difficult to find people who have those skills and some very technical/specialized engineering skills. These are not people who generally stay in the development end of the field. So, it may be a stereotype, but there is truth in it. I hear a lot of stories, as one of my DH's main responsibilities is making sure the positions are all filled. Since the company is doing very well, it's a lot of pressure, as it is very hard for him to find good people.
Social skills are important in any job...