Soft Skills For Engineers - 1

The New Student Programme PLUS MENTOR Groups

CHILL ‘N CHAT Soft Skills for Engineers So what are Soft Skills and how are they relevant to me? Soft skills are the techniques you need to work with others. The things you were not taught in engineering school. Skills like working on a team, networking with other engineers, public speaking, successfully and gracefully convincing others of your viewpoint all are considered to be soft skills. Why do I need Soft Skills when I possess the technical skills? In this competitive market, highly successful professional engineers those who are not only technically astute, but often possess that something “extra”.... Moreover, engineering usually involve working with others – TEAMWORK.

THE MODERN ENGINEER

TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE (30%)

- Technical Education - Logical Thought Process - Good Work Ethics - Computer Literacy

Prepared by T. Dhot, Student Success Mentor, 2006-2007

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (70%)

- Team-work Skills - Leadership Skills - Communication Skills - Interpersonal Skills - Self and Social Awareness - Conflict-management Skills - Organizational Skills

….Soft Skills for Engineers

The New Student Programme PLUS MENTOR Groups

How can you start developing the necessary soft skills NOW? Take the Student Success Check-up which can help you identify some of your strengths and weaknesses that may have an impact on your success at university. Be sure to follow up with an individual or group session to understand the results and make a personal action plan. Take the Meyers Briggs Type Inventory to learn more about yourself and how you can make your personality work for you. Attend Counselling and Development workshops, or other seminars within the university, so you can develop and practice yours skills. (Consider the PLUS Leadership Workshop Series, and some of the career planning and job search workshops.) Get involved in GROUP PROJECTS and take your group assignments seriously Become an active member in at least one SOCIETY, ASSOCIATION or CLUB on campus. Consider participating in the engineering games or an engineering competition. VOLUNTEER in group events, activities and associations to IMPROVE YOUR SOCIAL SKILLS! Don’t wait until your final year to prepare a good résumé. And keep your résumé up-to-date and ready to show potential employers. Choose your electives and non-core courses carefully to round out your skills and knowledge. It is a good idea to take some management courses.

What separates “high-potential” engineers, who rapidly rise within their organizations to positions of great prominence and leadership, from the

others?

Remember, GOOD SOFT SKILLS and EXTRA-CURRICULAR XPERIENCES can give you and added edge! But of course, don't forget about the TECHNICAL LEARNING part and DO YOUR BEST in YOUR COURSES!

….Soft Skills for Engineers