What Are Engineering Employers Looking for in Engineering Management Graduates?

Abstract

The unique aspects of engineering work suggest that engineering managers must possess some special skills in their management of people, activities, and projects. Two surveys of senior engineering managers and graduates of a masters degree program in engineering management indicate that those subjects and skill areas considered most important include oral and written communication; supervision, personnel management, and interpersonal relations; project management; contract administration; and technical skills in one's professional discipline. The design of academic programs in engineering management, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, should be based upon these survey results.