The Importance of Communication Skills for Engineers

“Communication skills are an essential component in the education of engineering students to facilitate not just students’ education but also to prepare them for their future careers.” 

Marc Riemer, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University(2007)

I believe this quote emphasizes the significance of communication skills in the education of engineering students. It suggests that while technical knowledge is crucial, effective communication is equally important. Communication skills improve the learning process, enabling students to comprehend complex concepts better and engage more effectively. Additionally, these skills are vital in both academic and professional environments, where engineers need to express ideas clearly and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. For example, during my internship at polytechnic, I witnessed firsthand how important communication skills are. We interacted with people from various backgrounds, and language barriers were a significant concern. While working on a project with a tight deadline, despite the language barrier, we had to find alternatives such as seeking help from supervisors or colleagues who could translate, using visual aids, and maintaining close communication to ensure we were all on the same page. Without effective communication, completing the task would have been impossible, and miscommunication could have occurred. Ultimately, I learned that effective communication plays a critical role in ensuring that everyone is aligned, fostering teamwork, aiding in problem-solving, and contributing to the success of our projects. This experience illustrated to me that communication is not just a soft skill but an essential component of engineering education and practice.