A Perspective On the Need To Give An Introduction To Engineering Management To all Engineering Students

At some point early in their careers, successful performance on the part of young engineers depends on their management knowledge and skill, but many young engineers are not adequately prepared by engineering schools for entry into management. The skills they need can and should be taught through an entry-level management course in all senior or graduate engineering programs. Such courses might include lessons in professionalism, the types of engineering organizations and how they are structured, communications and human resources, project management, business economics and accounting, women and diversity, legal issues, engineering ethics, and the consultant selection process. Engineering companies should attempt to select new hires from schools that teach management skills or be prepared to train new employees in this topic themselves.