Types of Engineering work, and Public Speaking
Today was "Bring your child to work day," and I had the opportunity to speak a little bit with one young man who was thinking about engineering.
I know I have written before about how engineering does require a good foundation in math and science. (Remember, this means persistence.) What I don't think I've written about yet is the importance of communication skills.
See, there are MANY kinds of engineers. There are engineers who:
-- actually design and fix hardware. These are sometimes called "real engineers," but they aren't the only engineers around
-- design and program software
-- design and execute tests on the hardware, software, or both
-- write requirements for the hardware and/or software and verify that the design meets those requirements
-- manage projects
-- analyze and simulate systems
-- provide product information in order to guide buyers to the best fit for their needs
These engineers work in a wide variety of environments. Some get out in the field and dirty. Some spend their days in a cubicle. Some wear suits to present / persuade an audience. Most engineers find themselves working in a team and presenting their ideas at meetings. Many engineers do all of the above.
With that in mind, I'm going to recommend this:
Why You Need to Be a Decent Public Speaker - On Careers (usnews.com)
With an emphasis on (3), knowing your subject.
When I was at Purdue, all undergraduate students were required to take COM 114, a course on communication that emphasized public speaking. It was not my favorite course, and most students grumble about taking it. My three individual speeches:
1) A history of Purdue astronauts
2) A history of rockets (U.S. and Russian)
3) A persuasive speech on why we should explore space
went over like lead balloons. Especially the third.
But the course changed my life. In researching the astronauts, I discovered a whole library of books written by (or with) space professionals about their experiences in the industry.
Not only did I find a hobby in Space History. Deke Slayton wrote about his difficulties learning Russian as a 40-something year old astronaut preparing for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project.
I had long thought about learning Russian. Deke's words reminded me that sooner was better than later. The Shuttle-Mir program and bringing the Russians onboard the International Space Station project reminded me that the language could be useful on graduation. When I saw a sign advertising Russian 101 the next semester, I decided that now was a good time to start.
Communication skills are important for an engineer. Language skills are important in a globalized world.
Public speaking can also be key to succeeding in some jobs.
I lost count of the number of speeches and presentations I made in my previous job, there were so many. Most were refined over weeks and sometimes months of work, studying and defining the problem, consulting with experts to get the facts right and learn the ins and outs of the options, presented in two or three or five forums to coordinate one or more recommendations, and finally getting the approvals to proceed.
Just like math, just like science, public speaking is a skill that can be learned and refined through practice.
I know I have written before about how engineering does require a good foundation in math and science. (Remember, this means persistence.) What I don't think I've written about yet is the importance of communication skills.
See, there are MANY kinds of engineers. There are engineers who:
-- actually design and fix hardware. These are sometimes called "real engineers," but they aren't the only engineers around
-- design and program software
-- design and execute tests on the hardware, software, or both
-- write requirements for the hardware and/or software and verify that the design meets those requirements
-- manage projects
-- analyze and simulate systems
-- provide product information in order to guide buyers to the best fit for their needs
These engineers work in a wide variety of environments. Some get out in the field and dirty. Some spend their days in a cubicle. Some wear suits to present / persuade an audience. Most engineers find themselves working in a team and presenting their ideas at meetings. Many engineers do all of the above.
With that in mind, I'm going to recommend this:
Why You Need to Be a Decent Public Speaker - On Careers (usnews.com)
With an emphasis on (3), knowing your subject.
When I was at Purdue, all undergraduate students were required to take COM 114, a course on communication that emphasized public speaking. It was not my favorite course, and most students grumble about taking it. My three individual speeches:
1) A history of Purdue astronauts
2) A history of rockets (U.S. and Russian)
3) A persuasive speech on why we should explore space
went over like lead balloons. Especially the third.
But the course changed my life. In researching the astronauts, I discovered a whole library of books written by (or with) space professionals about their experiences in the industry.
Not only did I find a hobby in Space History. Deke Slayton wrote about his difficulties learning Russian as a 40-something year old astronaut preparing for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project.
I had long thought about learning Russian. Deke's words reminded me that sooner was better than later. The Shuttle-Mir program and bringing the Russians onboard the International Space Station project reminded me that the language could be useful on graduation. When I saw a sign advertising Russian 101 the next semester, I decided that now was a good time to start.
Communication skills are important for an engineer. Language skills are important in a globalized world.
Public speaking can also be key to succeeding in some jobs.
I lost count of the number of speeches and presentations I made in my previous job, there were so many. Most were refined over weeks and sometimes months of work, studying and defining the problem, consulting with experts to get the facts right and learn the ins and outs of the options, presented in two or three or five forums to coordinate one or more recommendations, and finally getting the approvals to proceed.
Just like math, just like science, public speaking is a skill that can be learned and refined through practice.