By Moneeza Baig and Yasir Ahmad, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
Engineers are an integral part of our society. Their innovative contributions are essential for enhancing quality of life. In today’s digital era, universities must produce competent engineers equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a competitive marketplace. Universities in developed nations prioritize a balanced mix of technical and soft skills to prepare engineers for successful careers. Technical skills, such as mathematics, programming, and engineering principles, are vital for problem-solving and innovation, while soft skills like communication, teamwork, and critical thinking enhance collaboration and leadership, improving overall performance metrics.
In our research, we looked at Pakistan, where approximately 25,000 engineers graduate annually in a total population of 242 million. However, it ranks only 87th on the Global Innovation Index. Moreover, the unemployment rate among engineers is 23.5%, reflecting a significant gap between graduates and available job opportunities, which may reflect a range of critical issues such as the quality of engineering education, the need for soft skills, curriculum alignment with industry demands, economic conditions affecting job creation, and the effectiveness of career placement services. Addressing these factors is essential for improving employment rates and effectively utilizing graduates’ skills in the workplace.
Young graduates require technical and soft skills for a smooth university-workplace transition
The university-workplace transition is not always smooth. Several factors affect the employment of engineers, with their skill level being the most important. These skills are broadly classified into two categories.
- Soft skills are essential intrapersonal and interpersonal abilities that enhance behavior and interactions. These skills enable engineers to effectively collaborate, manage projects, and navigate workplace dynamics. Communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence are particularly valued by employers for their positive impact on job performance and workplace dynamics. Teamwork fosters collaboration, while time management ensures productivity by prioritizing tasks. Leadership motivates teams, and problem-solving drives innovation. They can also significantly impact engineers’ employability because employers value candidates who can complement their technical abilities with strong interpersonal skills as they are more likely to take on leadership roles and drive organizational growth.
Engineers must be well-equipped with both types of skills by the time they graduate.
A survey of recent engineering graduates in Pakistan
To evaluate the impact of individual skills on employability, we administered an online survey to a sample of recent engineering graduates from a public university in Islamabad, Pakistan, targeting all four departments in the campus. Of 270 graduates approached, 42% responded, almost equally split between mechatronic, electrical, mechanical and computer engineers. Of those: 19% were female and 26% were unemployed. Of those employed, 68% worked in core and 32% in non-core engineering fields.
The responses of employed graduates showed significant variation in technical skills across job roles, indicating the specialized expertise needed for different positions. Reported technical skills include programming languages (C++, Java, MATLAB), hardware skills (microcontrollers, PCB design, embedded systems), CAD software, project management and web development. Communication skills were the soft skills most emphasized, followed by teamwork, presentation, time management and leadership skills.
Critically, most respondents found that soft skills are as important as technical skills for graduate engineers’ employment – and a sizeable minority even found them more important.
Responses to the question on the importance of technical relative to soft skills for graduate engineers’ employment
Educational institutions must integrate soft skills training into their curricula
Integrating soft skills into undergraduates engineering education programmes could significantly enhance graduates’ readiness for job opportunities. A review of the current engineering curriculum we carried out, however, shows a significant gap in soft skills training, such as teamwork, time management, leadership and problem-solving, although communication skills were covered in three distinct courses: English, communication skills, and technical and business writing. These courses aim to help students bridge the gap between their technical knowledge and the ability to effectively articulate ideas in academic and professional settings. The curriculum includes English writing, grammar, presentation skills, technical report writing, electronic communication, and mock interviews. However, its focus on theory with limited practical exercises has been highlighted by employed graduates as a challenge.
The responses in the survey we conducted suggest that employed graduates emphasize the need for more practical training to develop skills for conveying complex information, leading presentations, and collaborating effectively to better meet professional challenges. Graduates with strong soft skills have a significant advantage in the workforce, as their communication and collaboration abilities help them build relationships, adapt to new environments, and excel in their careers.
The current engineering curriculum is being revised to include two key courses: expository writing and functional writing. This change aims to improve students’ ability to communicate effectively in academic and work contexts. Expository writing will focus on explaining complex concepts, while functional writing will address practical tasks like professional emails and reports. This revision marks a shift toward a skill-based education that equips students with essential communication tools for their careers. But courses should also emphasize other skills, including active listening, clear articulation, persuasive speaking, and professional writing, preparing them for effective collaboration in their careers.