Task 3: 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)

Communication is the exchange of ideas, information and opinions. Effective communication is an important skill to have for both an engineering student and an engineer. Both are often required to work in teams or with clients. Hence it is important to be clear and efficient in delivering the information, to avoid potential miscommunication and confusion. When working in teams, poor communication may potentially lead to conflicts. Hence respect is another important communication skill to possess; where the gender, race, nationality and culture of others are respected. Communication also involves active listening and empathy, engineering students and engineers require these skills to better understand their clients or users better and know what their needs are; in order to devise a better solution or product to suit the needs.