WHAT SKILLS DO I NEED TO

DEVELOP TO BECOME AN
EFFECTIVE ENGINEER?
Exercise 1

JUNE 21, 2012

ARNOLDO DELGADO GONZALEZ
Professor de
 ARNOLDO DELGADO
6/21/12
WHAT SKILLS DO I NEED TO DEVELOP TO BECOME AN EFFECTIVE ENGINEER?

What skills do I need to develop to

become an effective engineer? Commented [M1]: FALTO HACER PORTADA

T
here are many qualities and skills an individual needs to become an effective
engineer and to have a successful career. Engineering is dynamic so it needs
people who can work across disciplines, with others, and continually adapt to
new challenges.

Good technical skills are of course also essential. In preparation for an engineering
career you should focus on developing a variety of skills, including:

1
 ARNOLDO DELGADO
6/21/12
WHAT SKILLS DO I NEED TO DEVELOP TO BECOME AN EFFECTIVE ENGINEER?

Technical Competence: The focus is on having the necessary technical skills and
ability to carry out your job. While an engineering education will provide the
foundation of this knowledge, as technology is constantly advancing you will be
expected continue to learn throughout your career.

Commented [M2]: HACER IMAGEN MAS GRANDE

Communications Skills: To be in effective

engineer you must have the ability to
communicate, both in writing and orally. Focus on
your writing skills, consider developing a
competency in a second language and also develop
your public speaking skills. A good communicator
has influence and most importantly, gets noticed.

Leadership Skills: Leadership is more than just

the position you’re in, it’s about action. An
example where you will need leadership skills is during project management where
you will need to plan, set priorities, delegate, make decisions and to influence people.
To help you develop these skills get involved in a civic, school, professional or church
group as a volunteer.

2
 ARNOLDO DELGADO
6/21/12
WHAT SKILLS DO I NEED TO DEVELOP TO BECOME AN EFFECTIVE ENGINEER?

Teamwork: To be an effective engineer you will need the ability to work in a team
environment. Volunteer activities will also allow you to gain experience of team
working. Problem solving: As an engineer your job will be to come up with the
answers and to do that you need the ability to think, to look at the issues and come
up with a solution. Good engineers are therefore to be able to think critically, analyze
options and to create great solutions to problems that they have not encountered
before.

Summary: To be an effective engineer you don’t need to master each of these

qualities and skills. The successful engineer is well-rounded, with knowledge of the
key skills and an ability to apply them when needed. It will take effort on your part,
but the fun is in the learning and the reward is accomplishing your tasks and seeing
the impact your work will have on society.