Communication trends in engineering firms: implications for undergraduate engineering courses

The role of communication in the professional life of practising engineers continues to grow in importance. In recognition of this fact, most undergraduate engineering courses include some tuition on oral and written communications. Course instructors need to review and constantly update such communication courses in the light of rapid advances in communications technology, particularly if these courses are to provide students with adequate preparation for whole-life learning in professional careers in industry. The paper reports the results of a recent survey of communication trends in Irish engineering firms, and assesses their implications for the content and teaching methods of undergraduate communication courses for engineering students. Some practical recommendations are made in the light of these survey findings.