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Introverts in Engineering?

I'm curious about whether which engineering majors require more presenting and talking to large groups in both college/university and the real world. I just heard that mechanical has a lot of presenting ideas and would like to know about the other engineering majors. #engineering #mechanical-engineering #industrial-engineering #software-engineering #civil-engineering #chemical-engineer

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Kevin’s Answer

I would say the Industrial/Systems Engineering field is more for extroverts, because you end up having to interact with a wide range of people to perform you duties (line workers, clerk, upper management, mid management, leads, IT, sales, etc.).

For Introverts, look for more of the areas where you are focused on deep analysis and design (Electrical, Mechanical, etc.).
Thank you comment icon Great advice Edward Stander
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Andrew’s Answer

The key is to know what is your weakness and strength. Most of the time people spend too much time to improve weakness but it is not the way to go. Of course, it is good to learn and improve it but It is better to know your strength and make it even better. You want to master one skill rather than knowing everything but master none of those skills. If presenting is your weakness, practice presenting while ensure you know the material to the detail of it. You might be sloppy when presenting but when people asked questions and you provide wonderful answers then you are ok.
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Jonathan’s Answer

As a current senior Mechanical Engineering student I can tell you that there has been a few times where I had to go in front of the class and present. Usually, the professor does not grade you on how well you talk but rather on how well you know the material. Also, most of the times I had to present with a group which makes things easier for everyone.
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Farzan’s Answer

I think every engineering major requires some presentations of ideas and design to a small, medium or large size audience. But you don’t need to be a natural born speaker. I for example was very shy when I started my engineering degree but over years one would practice so many times that by the I graduated I felt excited about an opportunity to present my work to a large group of people. You will be just fine.
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Sungmo David’s Answer

More often than not most engineers I’ve meet have been lacking in the social department when compared to their technical skills.

Do you know what the difference between someone who knows how to read, but doesn’t versus someone who is illiterate?

A great engineer is only as good as their ability to explain to others why their idea is great. If you cannot express this, your idea is about as effective as having no idea. Showing your passion to leadership/ peers should be tackled with the same enthusiasm that you initially had coming up with the solution!

Back to addressing your question, I would say it depends on the industry/ organization more than type of engineer. As an airline engineer presentations are given periodically to upper management to the effect of a progress report of how your system is performing. Presentations addressing the industry as a whole also takes place during related conferences to share solutions or experiences.
This being said I’ve also worked for companies where no presentation was required, but instead I was in charge of the content that was to be discussed.

Part of being an engineer is the ability to think beyond the technical and coming up with the most pragmatic solution and at times includes presentations.

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DAVID’s Answer

My first time I practiced at home so much that soon my wife new the presentation. The more you stand in front of a group at school and work you learn to relax and focus on the presentation.
As a engineer you can hone your presenting skills by submitting and presenting a engineering technical paper on your special project at technical conferences in front of your peers...share your ideas.
In order to win a project you are called as a company team to present in front of a city or county voting panel, this team effort will be practiced time and time again, this is how civil/environmental consultants win work.
The more you speak the easier it becomes.
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Edward’s Answer

Depends 9n the field of engineering. You can always be the "behind the scenes " engineer, always fixing.

Practice in front of a mirror, present in front of kids, have fun with what you are presenting. The more you Practice the better you get.

Think of it as use it or lose it skills.

You will always get better.

There are a lot of introvert leaders out there. Be one of them...
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Mike’s Answer

Engineering professionals are a wide variety of people such as introverts, extroverts, chatty people, shy people, and even some people that would be considered on the autism/Asperger spectrum. All of these traits allow them to bring different skillsets to the table. In general college will challenge you to do presentations, speak in front of groups, etc no matter what major you choose. Don't be afraid of it and find your niche or what you have to offer and focus on strengthening your strengths as well as improving your shortcomings. We all have them. Don't let any perceived shortcomings stop you from doing whatever you want to do.
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Silpa’s Answer

Hello Britney,

There's a lot of misconception that Introverts means NOT presenting, NOT talking aloud etc. In fact, one of the difference between Introvert and Extrovert is the energy they use, introverts like to work by themselves, extroverts thrive off of the energy from others.

Introverts will make great engineers. Some of the world's best CEOs are introverts. (Think Bill Gates, Zuckerberg)

As far as your concern regarding giving presentations, it's all about practice practice practice. And try the following to get feedback about your presentation skills.

Silpa recommends the following next steps:

Practice in front of the mirror
Record yourself giving the presentation
Present in front of your friends
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Davina’s Answer

I work in the software engineering field and you can have more or less exposure to presentations depending on the type of role you take. Initially, I started as a software engineer, working on developing products but then as my career progressed I migrated to roles that were more focused on presenting to customers and partners in Product Management. Presenting is a skill one can develop over time by presenting in front of small groups initially. Most companies will provide training to develop these skills, if that's a path you wish to follow. Being an introvert, doesn't prevent you from learning how to present.
Thank you comment icon Nicely done Edward Stander
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