With today’s technology and innovation, it’s an exciting time to be an engineer. This means that there are a lot of incredible opportunities for engineering professionals, those who are just starting out, as well as those who are many years into a successful career. Yet, it can still be difficult to get beyond the first stage of interviewing, even if your CV is filled with impressive experience.
During my time in recruitment, I have seen a whole host of engineers succeed and develop professionally, the majority of whom secured their dream role because they bring something different to the table. After all, having unique experience and skills is what sets you apart from other candidates. But, success in engineering also means needing a range of soft skills, such as problem-solving abilities and communication skills. These are what many recruiters are looking for. Here are some of the key soft skills that engineers need to build a successful career in the engineering industry.
The Soft Skills Every Engineer Needs for Career Success
Problem Solving - EC&I engineers are regularly faced with problems, and being able to carefully consider the pros and cons of various solutions is key, especially when it comes to finding the solution with the fewest risks. A lot of recruiters look at problem solving skills as part of the recruitment process, as it highlights how you deal with workplace challenges. With good problem-solving skills, you become an asset to the team, whilst also helping projects to run more smoothly.
Organisation - An engineer needs to be organised in a variety of ways, both technically and personally. You need to be able to work in a structured and organised way, but you also need to be punctual and your tasks need to be managed. To build a strong career as an EC&I engineer, you also need to have time management skills, as it’s likely that you will have a range of tasks that need to be completed at the same time.
Communication - As an engineer, you need to be able to communicate complex technical solutions to clients in a way that they understand. You also need to be able to communicate with other engineers, teams and employees of various ranks. By improving your communication skills, you also improve a variety of other skills, including active listening and non-verbal communication.
Leadership - You don’t need to be a manager to benefit from having leadership skills. You need to be able to motivate others when they’re struggling, and you need to be able to set an example to others. Not only do leadership skills help you to stand out as being the obvious choice for a promotion, but it shows that you are a team player.
There is no denying the importance of technical skills and experience, but don’t underestimate the importance of possessing soft skills as an engineer. These are the skills that set you apart from other engineers, helping you further your career and progress in the industry.