Curious if engineering is right for you?Curious what skills engineering entails?Curious about what preparation you can do to build these essential skills?

Good news-curiosity is already one of the most important traits you need as an engineer.It is the driving force behind innovation and discovery.In today’s post, we will explore this and other essential,transferrable skills that will help you be the best Queengineer you can be. Start building your future today.

1)Curiosity

Curiosity is the most important quality needed for any engineer.

The engineering design process (learn more in an upcoming post!) is a seven-step process engineers utilise to create products.The first step of the engineering design process itself is problem definition and relevant research,whereby engineers take inspiration from the world to solve a specific problem.

To exemplify this, in 1960, John Shepherd-Barron OBE developed the Automated Teller Machine(ATM). This happened because Barron was frustrated when he could not withdraw money from the bank on a weekend. His frustration turned to curiosity into how he could make a product where cash withdrawal would always be available.

Without this curiosity,engineers like Shepherd-Barron could never cross the first stage of the engineering design process as they would not be interested in what problems people face in their daily lives and how to solve them.

Q:As an aspiring Queengineer, how can I practice curiosity in my daily life?

Ask about the ‘why’s and ‘how’s behind machines; you can start by researching about bridges and buildings,doing an electronic circuit project, or taking apart your toaster. Try to dive deeper into topics beyond the school syllabus that interest you-these would be useful for university applications where a specialised topic of interest can set you apart. The most important advice we can give you is to keep your spark of curiosity because that way you will never get bored of work!

2)Adaptability

Engineering is a constantly evolving field.New technologies, materials and methods are emerging all the time, meaning you, as future Queengineers, must be ready to adapt quickly.Being adaptable helps engineers stay innovative,work effectively with different teams,and find solutions when things do not go to plan.

Q:AS AN ASPIRING QUEENGINEER,HOW CAN I PRACTICE ADAPTABILITY IN MY DAILY LIFE?

Challenge yourself early by learning new skills; whether you are getting your head around different forms of CAD (Computer Aided Design) like Onshape or SolidWorks or join a coding course and gain some transferrable coding skills.Adaptability can be practiced in so many parts of your life especially for projects in Design and Technology where mechanisms may break or not work.

3)PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND TEAMWORK

Engineering projects require teamwork and effective project management.From my work experience at Cummins,I learnt how so many people from different disciplined departments all work hard with their specialist skills and unite to together, make a combined product.Just like this,all engineered products must be made by more than one person because different perspectives lead to more effective problem-solving.

Collaboration is a vital part of studying engineering at university.Most projects,especially in later years,are designed to be completed in teams where you must work alongside peers from different disciplines with different strengths.

Q:AS AN ASPIRING QUEENGINEER, HOW CAN I INCORPORATE PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND TEAMWORK INTO MY LIFE?

Start practicing teamwork in your daily life by getting involved in activities working with others.For example,joining a robotics team for VEX competitions is an excellent way to collaborate on building and coding robots whilst tackling problems as a group.Try to take more of an active role in group projects at school,by leading the research,organising tasks,or making everyone play their part.Sports teams are awesome too as you build strong relationships with your teammates and gain experience together.

4)ATTENTION TO DETAIL

For engineers, attention to detail can make the difference between life and death.For example, an error made by a civil engineer in their calculations could lead to a bridge not being able to withstand a certain load and collapsing.We must adhere to the finer details for the product’s safety, performance and function.

Q:AS AN ASPIRING QUEENGINEER,HOW CAN I PRACTICE ATTENTION TO DETAIL?

This is a tricky one to practice but you can start by taking care in your school subjects like maths and physics.Take time to RTFQ(read the full question) carefully and look for clues the examiner has given you for what they are looking for. Make sure every task is completed properly before moving on– a coding project is a great practice as you complete each line gradually,debugging as you go.

5)CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING

The term ‘engineering’ is derived from the Latin verb, ‘ingeniare’, meaning to contrive/devise – and that’s exactly what engineers do every day.An engineer may know every formula perfectly but when faced with a real-world challenge,there often is no textbook solution.The best engineers combine intelligence with creativity–using their knowledge to think outside the box and build structures the world has never seen before.

Q:AS AN ASPIRING QUEENGINEER,HOW CAN I INCORPORATE CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING INTO MY DAILY LIFE?

Participating in design competitions like F1 in Schools or Starpack Awards,or completing a DT (Design and Technology) project are perfect opportunities for this:why not try something new and watch as you develop expert skills in that field?

6)MATHEMATICAL APTITUDE

Maths forms the backbone of most engineering disciplines, helping engineers model, analyse and solve problems.From calculus to algebra to statistics, engineers utilise maths in real-life applications for logical decision-making.

Although mathematical ability is an important skill in engineering, don’t worry if you don’t feel that confident in maths right now!Just keep working hard (like #2 adaptability skill) and these skills will soon come naturally.

Q:AS AN ASPIRING QUEENGINEER,HOW CAN I PRACTICE MATHEMATICAL ABILITY IN MY LIFE?

The first step is to push yourself in maths at school; develop a strong foundation in maths topics in your current course and work on your weaknesses.Delve deeper into parts of your course which interest you. Gain mathematical problem-solving skills by participating in maths competitions such as UKMT Maths Challenges and Ritangle. Additionally, practicing for engineering entrance exams like the PAT and ESAT (which may be required for your dream university) will help set you up for life.

7)CLEAR COMMUNICATION

Being able to get your point across,and explain technical keywords to your clients clearly and effectively is important. Several engineers underestimate the importance of people skills but with all the collaboration(seen in #3) there is, clear communication is a must.

Q:AS AN ASPIRING QUEENGINEER,HOW CAN I PRACTICE CLEAR COMMUNICATION?

Through debate practice,public-speaking or leadership positions,put yourself out there to gain confidence and clear communication. Great Queengineers lead boldly-clear communication starts with stepping up!

In conclusion, the best engineers are well-rounded individuals who balance this variety of skills. You do not to be exceptional at maths or the best public speaker, but having a passion for what you do,determination and adaptability to improve,will take you far.

Curiosity, adaptability,attention to detail,mathematical aptitude, teamwork,creative problem solving,clear communication are the essential skills every engineer needs.

But, it’s the combination of them that will make you not just a great Queengineer, but a well-rounded one!

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