Why it’s important for an engineer to purse professional skills!!
Staffing Having materials, resources, and finances available, and well-organized is essential. Organization leads to efficiency which saves time, money, and energy. Organizing The ideal engineer is a composite. He is not a scientist, he is not a mathematician, he is not a sociologist or a writer; but he may use the knowledge and techniques of any or all of these disciplines in solving engineering problems. 21st Century engineers require an interdisciplinary approach to solve today’s complex problems. They should be more prepared to generate innovative ideas and solutions that are socially conscious and sustainable. All this an engineer can attain with a continuous learning & developing the professional skills like Project Management, Communication Skills, Organizational Skills, Business Development & Management etc.
Professional Skills : Learn to Manage Projects and People
Companies and organizations are invested in hiring engineers who can integrate technical expertise, savvy business acumen, and effective interpersonal communication skills. Those who can do this are prime candidates for positions in management. Successful engineering managers understand that they must take an integrated view of management in order to streamline operational activities, meet deliverables on time, and achieve organization goals.
The first step in understanding management is to be aware of the five basic functions of management which are planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling:
In order to reach a goal, a plan must be put into place. Deciding which steps are a part of the plan is the manager’s duty. Conceiving a plan and communicating it clearly is essential.
Having materials, resources, and finances available, and well-organized is essential. Organization leads to efficiency which saves time, money, and energy.
Recruiting, selecting, and positioning employees is the first part of staffing. Making sure the right person is assigned to the right job is integral to completing a goal. Managers must remember that they have a responsibility to lead, as well. Communication and motivation are necessary for building highly functioning teams.
It is common knowledge that not all managers are leaders and all leaders are not managers. It is incumbent upon managers to learn and practice solid effective leadership skills. Being authentic and connecting with people on an individual basis are first steps in being an effective leader.
Effective engineering managers look for constant improvement. Controlling costs, schedules, and production plans are all essential to managing a project well and finishing within or under budget. Controlling that which can be controlled, and responding quickly and efficiently, to those things that do not go according to plan, are all within the purview of an engineering manager.
Engineering with Professional Skills are in demand
Professionally trained engineers are skilled in their technical area of expertise, as well as, business, law, ethics, technology, and leading teams.
The field of engineering management is expected to grow nine percent through 2020. We can most likely see increases in research and development, architectural engineering, biomedical, and environmental engineering. Competition will be high for acquiring these positions so it is likely that companies will place a higher priority on candidates with advanced technical knowledge, excellent interpersonal communication skills, and expert business management and financial skills.
Engineers with professional skills know how to effectively utilize technical, financial, and human resources. They also hone their conceptual skills such as critical thinking, analytical thinking, and problem-solving. Key professional skills not only help engineers in advancing their career, but also contribute to the goals of their organization in ways that are both sustainable and impactful to the clients they serve and the population at large.
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