Communication and Career Advancement

The stereotypical engineer has great technical skill but communicates poorly, and would, if allowed, work alone. However, the ability to communicate and to work with others is vital. If engineers cannot communicate, they can not convey their ideas effectively to others, contribute to group work or rise to positions of greater responsibility. Engineers who communicate well have better success in job searches and throughout their careers than engineers who communicate poorly. Some common barriers to good communication among engineers include: lack of knowledge or experience; poorly defined ideas; deficient vocabulary or language skills; disheveled personal appearance; illegible written communication; inappropriate communication; poor listening, or differences in values, attitudes and perceptions.