Education and Careers 2000: Enhanced Skills for Engineers

Abstract

The world has changed. Electrical, computer, and information technology engineers are once again and for the fore-seeable future in high demand. However, the executives and managers of industry are expecting enhanced skills in the graduate engineers over and above what they expected in the past. The message is clear: Young engineers and scientists who desire to move forward in an organization should work to obtain, and then improve, the identified skills and characteristics to the best of their abilities. More seasoned veterans of the engineering profession should continue to develop and maintain these skills. With the prevalence of right-sizing in today's global open market economy, it is imperative for the engineers to develop extra aptitudes or skills, which will allow them to distinguish themselves among their peers. The message received was that there was a premium placed on individuals that have developed, practiced, and continued to improve certain extra or soft skills. When the decision had to be made during right-sizing, or as part of a corporate merger, as to which individuals to hold and which individuals would be reduction-in-force victims, those with the extra skills were the ones retained. These skills improve your personal and professional image—and thus serve to solidify your position. These extra skills are important to you, and for your future. Give them a try. © 2000, IEEE. All rights reserved.