Should You Pursue Engineering? The 9 Essential Qualities of an Engineer

If you are enthused by solving a problem and making the world a better place, engineering may just be the course for you. But before you jump on the engineering bandwagon it’s important to ask the question, “Do you have what it takes to be an engineer?”

An engineering degree is an excellent technical qualification. Engineers are highly regarded in the UAE and the world over. According to the Gulf News, a degree in engineering is one of the most sought after qualifications in candidates applying for jobs in the UAE.

A young person on the anvil of choosing engineering as their profession, must either possess the following nine qualities or focus on developing these essential skills.

1. Ability to focus on the details: Regardless of the field of engineering you choose, the key to being successful at your work will lie on your ability to pay attention to the details. As an engineer, you will face numerous facts, numbers, and configurations. You must understand how even the most minor tweak in measurement, can significantly change outcomes.
2. Solid analytical skills: Engineers have to regularly brainstorm to find answers to problems. Often the solution lies in being able to identify the cause and effect relationship between components, software, and processes. As an engineer, strong analytical skills coupled with logical thinking will hold you in good stead.
3. An effective communicator: A music composer may work alone, a businessperson may work as a solopreneur, a tutor may work as a freelancer, but an engineer rarely has the luxury of being the sole person on a project. As an engineer, you are always communicating. You understand what the client / company want, and work with a team of engineers, suppliers, and technicians, to get the job done. You need to be able to communicate with each of these groups effectively.
4. Updated on the latest innovations: The arena of science and technology are forever evolving, and to remain relevant in the game as an engineer you must have knowledge of the latest software, technologies and industry innovations. You must have the inclination to adopt the latest technologies.
5. Innovative thinking – People with a background in engineering, physics, and computing are at the forefront of most modern-day innovations. As an engineer, you will have to use your creative thinking (along with sound knowledge of engineering concepts) to solve problems and create new products. At times you will have to think of solutions that defy theories and existing ways of working.
6. Strong mathematical skills – It goes without saying that to become an engineer you need a sound understanding of mathematical concepts. A sound knowledge of math is needed for securing admission to an engineering degree, for successfully completing the course, and for succeeding as an engineer in the workplace.
7. Interest in overall aspects of running an organisation: As an engineer, you must understand the other facets of your company which includes product design and marketing, sales strategies, and training. All of these functions will have either a direct or indirect impact on your work as an engineer.

Many engineers also opt for an MBA to combine their technical skills with the knowledge of running a business. These ‘engineering with MBA degree’ professionals make perfect candidates for management positions in industries such as Information Technology, Business Process Outsourcing’s, Textile, Aviation, Automobiles, Telecommunications, Pharmaceuticals, and Infrastructural sectors, among other businesses.

1. Team player – Whether you are setting up a new solar energy project, designing software, or developing a prototype, you will be working with a team. As an engineer, you must be able to share ideas, support others, and execute tasks assigned to you.
2. Leadership skills – Ultimately you will be the chief engineer on a project leading a team of engineers and technicians. While this may be some years after you join the workplace, it’s important to develop the qualities of an effective leader. You must have the confidence to create the project plan and delegate responsibilities to team members. You should be willing to iron out people issues that may be impeding the accomplishment of team objectives.

Having assessed that engineering is your calling, the next step is to decide which field of engineering you want to pursue. Within engineering, the top engineering branches which will make it easier for you to get a job as an engineer in the UAE are –

• civil engineering
• mechanical engineering
• electrical engineering
• instrumentation and control engineering
• petroleum engineering
• chemical engineering

Whichever field of engineering you choose, remember that pursuing a degree in engineering is a lot of hard work. In the words of one of the most recognizable names in science, Thomas Edison, “Genius is two percent inspiration, ninety-eight percent perspiration”.

If you choose to study engineering, aspire to be more than a mediocre engineer. Create simple solutions that are highly reliable as well as aesthetically appealing.