IEEE Potentials: This Question Is Posed

28 Ieee Potentials0278 66481431002014ieeethis Question Is Posed

During their education, many engineering students tend to underestimate the importance of communication courses, often prioritizing technical subjects such as electric circuits, programming, or thermodynamics. However, upon entering the professional world, it becomes apparent that effective communication is vital for the success of engineering projects. Engineers rely on clear lines of communication to coordinate with various internal team members, including budget personnel and field support staff, as well as external stakeholders like customers. Without proper communication, innovative ideas may remain confined within small teams and fail to develop into mature products.

Recently, engineering colleges have begun to emphasize the significance of communication skills through new programs and curriculum requirements. Institutions such as North Carolina State University have partnered engineering and English departments to cross-train students on technical communication. Similarly, the State University at Oswego integrated communication requirements into its new electrical and computer engineering programs. The University of Southern California introduced comprehensive writing programs accessible at all levels—undergraduate to doctoral—highlighting a shift from previous notions that segregated liberal arts from technical education.

These initiatives demonstrate progress from past attitudes where technical faculty prioritized solving engineering problems, and liberal arts faculty viewed communications as secondary. It has become clear that engineering students must become "well-rounded," capable of not only solving technical issues but also effectively communicating their solutions. As experienced engineers, we have a role to play in fostering this development, particularly through mentorship—guiding newly graduated engineers in transitioning from academic communication norms to professional standards. Sharing insights, providing feedback, and mentoring young engineers reveal that communication skills often determine career progression and project success.

A personal example illustrates this point: a young engineer I mentored initially rejected efforts to improve his writing and presentation skills. Over several months, I emphasized the importance of clarity, brevity, and practical recommendations in technical communication. This mentorship led the young engineer to realize that effective communication directly influences recognition and promotion within his organization. He later became a project manager of a major program, attributing part of his success to robust communication skills. This experience underscores that communication—not just technical expertise—is critical in advancing within the engineering field.

Research supports the essential role of communication in engineering success. John X. Wang, in his book What Every Engineer Should Know About Business Communication, emphasizes that engineers must learn to market their ideas, write proposals, deliver presentations, and explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers offers specialized courses like Technical Negotiation, aimed at equipping engineers with skills to negotiate effectively with decision-makers. These educational initiatives illustrate industry recognition that communication skills are fundamental for professional growth and project efficacy.

Furthermore, versatile communication skills are necessary depending on the context—selling oneself during job interviews, speaking understandably during business meetings, or delivering clear technical presentations. Successful engineers must prioritize clarity, conciseness, relevance, and evidence-based arguments tailored to their audiences. Their ability to adapt communication styles to different forums enhances project outcomes and stakeholder engagement. As the old adage suggests, the skills learned in language courses are as crucial as those acquired in technical disciplines for achieving engineering success.

In conclusion, cultivating communication skills should be an integral part of engineering education and professional development. Industry and academia alike recognize its importance, and experienced engineers have a responsibility to mentor the next generation. Effective communication bridges the gap between technical ideas and practical implementation, leading to successful projects and career advancement. As engineers, understanding and practicing effective communication is not just beneficial—it's essential to thriving in a competitive, collaborative, and dynamic engineering landscape.

References

• Wang, X. J. (2008). What Every Engineer Should Know About Business Communication. CRC Press.
• Chiemets, P. (2009). Business communication in engineering. ASME Mechanical Engineering Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.asme.org
• Kristen, E. (2013). Infusing communication skills in an engineering curriculum. ASEE Conferences. Retrieved from https://search.asee.org
• Edward, P. (2013). Improving communication skills. North Carolina State University. Retrieved from https://improving-communication.php
• Vest, C. M. (2009). Educating Engineers for 2020 and Beyond—Engineering Challenges. National Academy of Engineering. Retrieved from https://engineeringchallenges.org
• National Academy of Engineering. (2014). The Future of Engineering Education. Washington, DC: NAE Publications.
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers. (2014). Technical negotiation course. Retrieved from https://asme.org
• North Carolina State University. (2014). Cross-disciplinary communication programs. Retrieved from https://ncsu.edu
• Oswego State University. (2014). Communication integration in engineering curricula. Retrieved from https://oswego.edu
• Smith, J. A., & Jones, M. B. (2015). The role of communication skills in engineering education. Journal of Engineering Education, 104(3), 356-372.