The video discusses essential skills for aspiring software developers beyond core programming and problem-solving abilities. It highlights the importance of developing a problem-solving mindset, where the focus is on understanding and addressing organizational challenges rather than just coding. The speaker suggests using platforms like HackerRank and LeetCode to practice real-world problems. Communication skills are also crucial, as they enable developers to effectively convey ideas and collaborate with others. The video stresses that writing code is only half the job; the other half involves communicating solutions and understanding client needs. Additionally, the speaker encourages adopting a learning mindset and utilizing AI tools to stay updated with industry trends. Finally, system design is emphasized as a critical skill for creating scalable and cost-effective solutions, with resources available for learning this skill.