Non-Technical Skills Critical to Success in Engineering

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Non-technical Skills Critical to success in engineering Engineers in their careers are always affected by changes in technology and business practices. In order to stay competitive, engineers always find that they have to reinvent themselves to gain competency in technical skills which are the rage at any given time. But given all things being equal in a dynamic environment engineers require competency in a broad range of skills that not only includes technical skills, but non-technical skills as well. Research shows that while both technical and non-technical skills are equally important the skills essential and most sought in new mid-level employees are non-technical skills such as project management, business domain knowledge and relationship skills. These skills are essential because they enable engineering departments to work effectively with other departments, internal users, and external customers and suppliers. Let us look at some of the nontechnical skills that are important to have if a technical person wishes to grow in his organization: Written Communication: Communicating clearly and concisely in writing (e.g. writing technical documents, instructions, specifications). Managing Communication: Managing own communication e.g. keeping up to date and following up Self-Management: Managing self (e.g. time / priorities / efficiency / work life balance/ health) Teamwork: Working in teams (e.g. working in a manner that is consistent with working in a team / trusting and respecting other team members / managing conflict / building team cohesion) Problem Solving: Solving problems, defining problems, analyzing problems, evaluating alternatives, balancing trade-offs. Honesty: Demonstrating honesty and integrity, admitting to mistakes, giving bad news without masking them. Decision Making: Making decisions within the available time and knowledge

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