Soft Skills for Engineering: Methodologies, social skills and course development

Employers today are increasingly recognizing the significance of soft skills, and students are well aware of this crucial fact. Upon graduation, students are expected to possess a firm grasp of the technical skills directly related to their completed courses, whether at the bachelor's or master's level. However, there is another realm of skills that can profoundly impact securing initial employment and, more importantly, advancing one's professional journey. The importance of developing soft skills thus cannot be overstated, as they have the potential to shape the future of both current and aspiring engineers. Providing training in these essential skills becomes a pivotal aspect of their overall development. This comprehensive text outlines strategies for enhancing the most sought-after skills and serves as a valuable resource for both students and lecturers, facilitating the integration of these vital competencies into traditional university programs. Topics covered include methodological skills, such as time management and problem solving; social skills, such as teamwork and conflict management; and cognitive skills, such as analytical and critical thinking.