Exploring the engineering communicative challenges amongst undergraduates

Abstract

Much has been said in the Malaysian media and recent research on the undergraduates' deficiency in soft skills. The alarming unemployment rate among the graduates appears to be strongly linked to two factors namely lack of communication skills and poor English proficiency among them. This paper unearths the unresolved issues with regards to the aforementioned factors. It presents the perceptions and experiences of the lecturers and practicing engineers supervising engineering students during the latter internship programme in selected industry. Their views in relation to students' oral communication in the engineering communication environment are highlighted as drawn from observations and interviews excerpts. The data suggest that although the engineering students are technically sound, they need to possess certain personal skills in order to market themselves. The pertinent set of skills is constantly highlighted by Malaysian employers in developing students towards becoming engineer. These vital skills which are closely related to the employability and workplace literacy need to be further enhanced in determining the graduates success or failure in the workplace.