“Without clear lines of communication, our ideas would stay within our own small development teams instead of becoming mature products. While this is obvious to those of us who have become experienced engineers, the real question is: Why is it lost to us when we are engineering students?”
Akbar R Khan, Software Systems Engineer, USA,
“Good Communication is Essential…” (2014)
Engineering students who primarily focus on technical and analytical aspects for most of their studying life tend to develop a strong focus on technical proficiency, where structured problem-solving with clear methods and outcomes are often emphasized. However, this focus leaves little opportunity for them to practice and develop their communication skills.
Unlike academic tasks which have clear outlines and definitive solutions, professional environments require students to communicate with a diverse variety of people with different experiences, knowledge, and hierarchical authority. This lack of exposure can lead to students feeling unprepared and unsure of how to voice their ideas. This then leads to students feeling hesitant to contribute to discussions which consequently limits their ability to collaborate effectively.
Furthermore, students tend to develop the habit of working independently and keeping their ideas to themselves, since academic success is mostly reliant on individual effort. They will find it hard to overcome the transition when they move to a working environment where engineers are required to communicate as it is integral to their work life.
Wonderful insight!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Xiao Rou, for the detailed and highly insightful interpretation.
ReplyDeleteIt's an interesting perspective!
ReplyDeleteI agree! It's so easy for engineering students to get caught up in technical skills, but without strong communication, those ideas often stay confined. Being able to collaborate and share ideas effectively is key once you step into a professional setting.
ReplyDelete