Impact of college learning on engineering career practice

Abstract

Traditionally, engineering profession appears to be a technical field based on scientific discipline. However, the way engineering has been taught will not anymore create the innovative professionals that meet the standards of today's market. Nowadays, the success of engineers is measured by their preparedness in adapting to new conditions and by their skills in applying technologies to find new solutions or to improve existing solutions. This research identifies learning deficiencies that hinder the success of novice engineers. Based on the ABET reform criteria, 188 engineers completed an online Likert-scaled survey that assesses their proficiencies regarding their technical, personal, and interpersonal skills. Also, open-ended questions were used to gather information identifying the needs that might facilitate the transition process to the engineering career. Participants are young practicing engineers, graduated from Universities in Lebanon and are currently employed in companies located in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Although participants possess an adequate level of theoretical and technical skills, noticeable weaknesses in creativity and innovation were found. Also, the results showed varied deficiencies in interpersonal and personal skills particularly in leadership, managerial, and multidisciplinary teamwork skills.