Abstract
The choice of post-secondary courses is heavily influenced by individuals' perceptions of their chosen discipline. Freshmen often bring preconceived notions about engineering, impacting their course preferences. Students excelling in Physics and Mathematics typically gravitate towards engineering, believing it provides a competitive advantage. However, beyond technical skills, engineering demands proficiency in soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. This article, authored by teaching assistants of an introductory engineering design and communication course, delves into the holistic aspects of engineering. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of engineering by emphasizing critical skills such as project management, communication, teamwork, adaptability, safety, and ethics. Despite the belief that a strong background in physics and mathematics suffices for engineering success, this course stresses the importance of a well-rounded skill set. The authors emphasize the necessity of developing non-technical skills for a successful engineering career, challenging the conventional narrative, and advocating for a more comprehensive approach to engineering education. The authors underscore the importance of students' perspectives on these concepts and provide their recommendations and a call to action to improve the student perception of such courses.
Published Version
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