More than technical experts: Engineering professionals’ perspectives on the role of soft skills in their practice

Abstract

In the 21st century, with the exponential rise in global population and a greater demand for environmental resources, the focus of engineering is on integrated solutions within a multifarious context. To successfully navigate today’s multidisciplinary and multicultural environment, engineers require soft skills in addition to their technical or hard skills: these include leadership, interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills. They support engineering professionals in meeting the challenges of working in multidisciplinary teams which make decisions that will help shape define the future. This study explores the perspectives of engineering professionals working in different engineering disciplines to understand the role soft skills play in their professions. It finds that technical competence is not considered enough; to succeed in the complex world of engineering, employers look for graduates who can enhance their technical expertise with complementary soft skills. Engineers have to work alongside various stakeholders to develop technologies for the benefit of humankind. Most of the content in engineering education institutions focuses on technical aspects, and it is imperative to highlight and implement soft skills training.