2007-09-20 14:42:10 · 6 answers · asked by Lakers24 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Engineering as a profession is extremely broad based. The three major branches of engineering, civil, electrical, and mechanical, and the dozens of sub-branches, offer career prospects for people with a wide range of qualities.
Engineers themselves often refer to the qualities required of an engineer with reference to their own particular area of expertise, and this is a mistake because good engineers have such widely varying qualities.
The three common qualities required of all engineers are -
Vision - to be able to see thoughts, words, pictures, and plans as reality.
Perseverance - to see a task or a project through to a successful conclusion.
Tolerance - to be able to cope with continuously being kicked in the teeth, by man, machine, and nature.
2007-09-20 15:35:50 · answer #1 · answered by Ynot 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of the above answers are very good. But here's mine anyway in order:
1. Ability to learn quickly. Probably a good quality for any career. If you're studying to be a mechanical engineer, you're going to learn about electrical and civil engineering. You just have to. The quicker you pick it up the better.
2. Strong math & science background. You almost take it for granted in the workplace because it comes so natural.
3. Strong communications skills. Some of the best engineers never get past engineering because they can't communicate (verbal or written) very well.
4. Attention to detail AND ability to see the big picture. Engineers must be able to see both ways. The detail can make a product or project great, but the big picture makes sure everything about the product or porject is functional.
5. Confidence. I work in consulting and many times the construction company will rip your design apart when they doubt it and/or when there are mistakes. You need the confidence to stand up for your design or admit the mistakes you made.
2007-09-20 23:00:51 · answer #2 · answered by lovefriction 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An Engineer's best qualities are usually our scintillating personalities and good looks, sometimes pushed to second place by our citizenship, honesty, kindness to our fellow man, and our intelligence. All of the above combined with a love of nature and the great outdoors make for a well rounded engineer. A very good Education falls in there somewhere also, but I'm not sure exactly where.
2007-09-20 22:40:34 · answer #3 · answered by gatorbait 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Attention to detail.
However, don't think its ok to be a introvert just because you are an engineer. The best engineers are technical yet still able to speak to laymen about complicated issues in a way that they don't understand.
2007-09-20 21:55:32 · answer #4 · answered by Kayak 7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TIME MANAGEMENT!!! i can never stress that too much. Also having a wide open, creative mind! & the love to solve problems!
2007-09-20 21:55:11 · answer #5 · answered by nerdychickita 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
perseverance will solve every problem. Experience and knowledge come after.
2007-09-21 21:20:33 · answer #6 · answered by mavis b 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋