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Ability to learn quickly
Engineering is broad and will require you to continuously learn a wide variety of new concepts, from studying shock waves in supersonic flow to understanding why certain materials are tough. Over time, this will help you develop an ability to efficiently learn; in other words, you’ll learn how to learn. You’ll also be expected to use different software. Here are a few examples of my experiences:
- Learning how to use computer aided design software to digitally design a small wind turbine for 3D printing
- Learning how to code in Python to write scripts that allow quadcopters to ‘see’ their surroundings
- Learning how to use MATLAB to process large amounts of experimental data
You’ll develop confidence in getting to grips with new technologies, which is essential for the present day where technology is constantly evolving.
2.Teamwork
Engineering is a very practical subject, and you’ll most likely be involved in numerous group projects. I took part in 8 group projects throughout my 4 years at university, with teams being as small as 3 students, to as large as 19 students. You’ll learn how to communicate and work effectively with people to get the job done. This skill is a must when it comes to performing well in the world of work. For example, a career in consulting is dependent on being able to work effectively in teams.
3. Confidence with numbers
You’ll be seeing a lot of numbers as an engineer. By the time you graduate, you’ll be very comfortable diving deep into technical details. You’ll most likely be tasked with writing up numerous reports, and these reports will require you to communicate technical information in a clear and logical manner. You’ll have the opportunity to give presentations, where some of the audience may not be as technical as you or may not be very familiar with the subject you’re presenting. Being able to confidently communicate your findings to a mixture of technical and non-technical individuals is a killer skill.
These are just some of the transferable skills you’ll gain with a degree in engineering, and it’s precisely why engineers can pursue a large variety of career routes. Career destinations of fellow students from my class include:
- Equity research at a top-tier investment bank (Confidence with numbers is crucial)
- Management consulting at a top-tier consultancy (Teamwork is very important here)
- Working in a start-up that is designing a flying taxi (An ability to pick up new things quickly is absolutely necessary to work in a young start-up. Fun fact: this start-up has raised more than $100 million to date)
- Aerodynamicist in a Formula 1 team (Confidence with numbers is a must for understanding how to improve vehicle performance – an incremental improvement can make all the difference in a race)
By Mayur G, private Maths, Physics and Engineering tutor. Mayur is a graduate of QE Boys, (Queen Elizabeth Grammar School), one of London’s leading grammar schools. He also has a 1st Class Masters degree in Engineering from Imperial College. Interested in working with Mayur? Contact us on 02078673904.