14 answers
Sam
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
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What is the most important skill to have while pursuing an engineering degree?
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14 answers
Rory Zahedi
University student
3
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Rory’s Answer
Adaptability. In Engineering, especially disciplines such as software, the technologies are constantly changing. For example, new Java-Script frameworks are coming out at rapid pace, and companies keep switching their tech stack up, and if you can't keep with the new technologies, you get the boot so to speak; this also applies to other Engineers though. For example, an Engineer may be an Electrical Engineer by study, however nowadays, almost every type of Engineer is required to have some knowledge of programming because it's what is so prevalent in industry right now, so they have to adapt their skills and learn it.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
There are many different fields of engineering , e.g. Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, etc.
Different engineering fields may have different requirement. In general, mathematics is important to majority engineering fields. Some may need you have physical background, e.g. Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, etc. Some may need you have chemistry background, e.g. chemical engineering, etc.
You better do more research online which engineering fields you are interested on and then explore the entry criteria on that particular engineering subject.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
Different engineering fields may have different requirement. In general, mathematics is important to majority engineering fields. Some may need you have physical background, e.g. Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, etc. Some may need you have chemistry background, e.g. chemical engineering, etc.
You better do more research online which engineering fields you are interested on and then explore the entry criteria on that particular engineering subject.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
Brayden Reiland
119
Answers
Corvallis, Oregon
Updated
Brayden’s Answer
Hello!
Engineering is something that takes a lot of hard work and determination in order to gain proficiency in the topics. As an engineering student myself I found that the best way I found success was hard work and determination and knowing that if you spend enough time on something that you will eventually understand it. I dont think Ive ever met another student who never struggled with topics though school so the struggles will only benefit you in the long run. I think another important skill is to be willing to fail. I know this might be weird to think about but simular to what I said above being able to fail and struggle is greatly beneficial when times become tough. I know Ive had a few times where I didn't get the score on an assignment or midterm that I wanted and those failures allowed me to reflect and realize that it was my preparation going in that lead to the score that I got. I was then able to look on my failures, change my study habits and in many cases ace my next exams.
In the end hard work and determination are a huge factor for success for engineers so if you are able to do that then you will find success .
Good Luck!
Engineering is something that takes a lot of hard work and determination in order to gain proficiency in the topics. As an engineering student myself I found that the best way I found success was hard work and determination and knowing that if you spend enough time on something that you will eventually understand it. I dont think Ive ever met another student who never struggled with topics though school so the struggles will only benefit you in the long run. I think another important skill is to be willing to fail. I know this might be weird to think about but simular to what I said above being able to fail and struggle is greatly beneficial when times become tough. I know Ive had a few times where I didn't get the score on an assignment or midterm that I wanted and those failures allowed me to reflect and realize that it was my preparation going in that lead to the score that I got. I was then able to look on my failures, change my study habits and in many cases ace my next exams.
In the end hard work and determination are a huge factor for success for engineers so if you are able to do that then you will find success .
Good Luck!
Jay Hurst
Product Manager
55
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jay’s Answer
Sam,
All of the answers provided are excellent (which is why it is sometimes difficult to narrow down a single skill as the most important).
That said I think the most important skill is curiosity. This plays a part in almost every other area listed. To problem-solve effectively, you have to be curious about how something works and why it is broken. To interact effectively, you have to be curious and interested in others. To be creative requires curiosity in the area you are creating in.
Above all, be curious and learn as much as you can.
Best of luck
All of the answers provided are excellent (which is why it is sometimes difficult to narrow down a single skill as the most important).
That said I think the most important skill is curiosity. This plays a part in almost every other area listed. To problem-solve effectively, you have to be curious about how something works and why it is broken. To interact effectively, you have to be curious and interested in others. To be creative requires curiosity in the area you are creating in.
Above all, be curious and learn as much as you can.
Best of luck
Shawn Noble
Mechanical Engineer
26
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Shawn’s Answer
Interpersonal skills are a must have! Everything else is secondary.
Why?
Without good interpersonal skills (aka EQ), a person is unable to work well with others. No one lives in a bubble. We all need support of others to succeed while in University and afterwards, because no one knows everything nor can do all of the job functions required in a career. Many talented engineers (highly skilled) fail to climb high on the professional ladder due to a lack of EQ (don’t play well with others). Whereas, mediocre engineers can ascend the ladder rapidly when they possess a good EQ.
Why?
Without good interpersonal skills (aka EQ), a person is unable to work well with others. No one lives in a bubble. We all need support of others to succeed while in University and afterwards, because no one knows everything nor can do all of the job functions required in a career. Many talented engineers (highly skilled) fail to climb high on the professional ladder due to a lack of EQ (don’t play well with others). Whereas, mediocre engineers can ascend the ladder rapidly when they possess a good EQ.
Lucie dC
Product Manager
82
Answers
California, California
Updated
Lucie’s Answer
A short answer is: there are no most important skill to have when pursuing an engineering degree.
A way to look at it is to segment pursuing an engineering degree and becoming an engineer:
#1 Pursuing an engineering degree: it is a hard path and a lot to learn, you need to be good at several topics before you can specialize into a field. I would say that for this, some good skills would be: Determination, drive, self-motivation, curious, open minded, and, resilient.
#2 Being an engineer: No matter the field, being an engineer you need to master a few skills to be successful.
A few good skills would be: Empathy, organized, good listener, good communicator (being able to speak the tongue of normal people and not just the engineering jargon), detail oriented, etc.
Engineers, just like all other roles come in different shapes and forms. As long as you have determination, I believe you can accomplish anything.
Hope this helps,
Cheers
A way to look at it is to segment pursuing an engineering degree and becoming an engineer:
#1 Pursuing an engineering degree: it is a hard path and a lot to learn, you need to be good at several topics before you can specialize into a field. I would say that for this, some good skills would be: Determination, drive, self-motivation, curious, open minded, and, resilient.
#2 Being an engineer: No matter the field, being an engineer you need to master a few skills to be successful.
A few good skills would be: Empathy, organized, good listener, good communicator (being able to speak the tongue of normal people and not just the engineering jargon), detail oriented, etc.
Engineers, just like all other roles come in different shapes and forms. As long as you have determination, I believe you can accomplish anything.
Hope this helps,
Cheers
George Hart
Product Manager
19
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
George’s Answer
Hey Sam. I'm assuming you're an empathetic person with good morals so I won't bring that up as the most important skill or virtue. So I'll tell you what I think the best skill is: Perseverance - the ability to stay with a problem and see it through and learn from that experience. That's the best skill I see in all the engineers that I have respect for and love working with. You won't always be naturally gifted to solve all the engineering problems you come across but with perseverance, you can break the problem down and arrive at a solution.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Gaby Hecht
Program Manager
6
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Gaby’s Answer
The most important is Motivation, then persistence and dedication, then believe in yourself, then the love to understand how things work, how to resolve problems. You will need to know and like math and be ready to spend long hours with the screen.
Glenn Stewart
Engineer
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Glenn’s Answer
Greetings! The most important skill to have while pursing an engineering degree is discipline. This skill extends far beyond your coursework, as it also applies to you willingness to work through the tough times you may encounter. Engineering students must remain focused on the task at hand, because it is extremely easy to get distracted. Minor distractions can become major hindrances to success as an engineering student.
Set realistic goals, and then dedicate yourself to reaching those goals.
Set realistic goals, and then dedicate yourself to reaching those goals.
Nathan Lin
Solutions
5
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Nathan’s Answer
For me, it's reading comprehension, critical thinking, and technical writing. Oh, you mean the "most" important skill as if just one skill? Critical thinking then. Being an engineer, half of the time what I do is trying to understand the scope of a problem and then come up with a solution. The other half is trying to deliver the solution.
Mike Burchett
Software Developer
4
Answers
Round Rock, Texas
Updated
Mike’s Answer
It is very difficult to answer the question for only one “most” important skill to have, however, I would list these skills as good ones to work on as you are pursuing an engineer degree:
• Analytical mind set. Build this skill set as it will help you form a solution for any problem you face.
• Communication and teamwork. As an engineering student, you don’t always think of these skills as being the most important, however, in the industry it is at the top of the list. The best engineers I work with excel in these categories. If you work hard and collaborate within your teams while effectively communicating to leads and management, you will find success!
• Analytical mind set. Build this skill set as it will help you form a solution for any problem you face.
• Communication and teamwork. As an engineering student, you don’t always think of these skills as being the most important, however, in the industry it is at the top of the list. The best engineers I work with excel in these categories. If you work hard and collaborate within your teams while effectively communicating to leads and management, you will find success!
PRASANJIT PASWAN
Service
112
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
PRASANJIT’s Answer
Problem-solving -One of the most crucial skills an engineer can possess is strong problem-solving abilities.
Daniel Johnson
chief technology officer
3
Answers
Slingerlands, New York
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Creativity. There are many different disciplines within Engineering, all of them provide solutions to the challenges.
Anna Kershisnik
Cybersecurity Specialist
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Anna’s Answer
In my experience, problem solving skills were key to being successful in engineering courses. With a general engineering degree with an emphasis in mechanical, I took a variety of engineering courses from mechanical to electrical to civil. All required the ability to most adequately assess the problem at hand and brainstorm the best and most efficient ways to reach a solution. And many times there is more than one way to reach this final goal.
The ability to work in a team and collaborate with peers is also critical! If you are able to assess your strengths and weaknesses and work with those around you to fill the gaps where there may be a lack of skills, you will find great success in your major and career post-grad.
The ability to work in a team and collaborate with peers is also critical! If you are able to assess your strengths and weaknesses and work with those around you to fill the gaps where there may be a lack of skills, you will find great success in your major and career post-grad.