The Profession

From the professionals: Skills required

Having talked to recent graduates and senior staff about their work experiences we summarise what they consider vital skills for any aspiring professional engineer.

"I think it is important for graduates to demonstrate their extracurricular activities, especially where these have involved leadership responsibility, working in a team or problem solving. Most graduates have good quality degrees, but real working life is about so much more than technical problem solving. Non-academic challenges can really help to demonstrate your talents, such as people, leadership or teamwork skills.


"During my time at Durham I was President of the college Junior Common Room (JCR), which gave me very tangible hands on management, leadership and team work experience and developed my people skills. I was able to use that experience as a selling point during my application process and draw on that experience so often during my early years as a graduate."
- Senior Consultant Engineer, AECOM



"The main ‘soft skills’ that will serve you well in any work role is communication, organisation, how you manage and work within a team and punctuality."
- Power System Engineer, National Grid



"Software development can be both rewarding and maddening. To succeed in this job, you do need to learn patience. Other skills that are important are self-discipline – it can be endlessly frustrating if you’ve been stuck on something for several hours and this can cause a drop in morale and productivity. Good communication skills are also necessary in order to be able to explain what you’re doing to your teammates."
- Software Developer, BT



"I think attention to detail is an important quality to have in the pharmaceutical sector. We are a highly regulated industry and the safety of patients depends on our products, so it’s vital to follow good manufacturing practices."
- Pharmaceutical Sector Engineer, GSK



"A ‘can do’ attitude, sincerity and commitment to the company vision."
- Marketing and Information Analyst, NHS



"We could do with a lot of fresh entrepreneurs who can think outside the constraints that people have grown used to."
- Energy Sector Engineer, UK Atomic Energy Authority



"Working in aerospace requires a lot of teamwork, so having the right communication skills is essential. In order to succeed, it’s easier by starting in a role that you enjoy and find interesting. After that, I think that focusing on continuous improvement is an essential mindset to have whatever you’re doing. And finally, the ultimate quality is to have the ability to spot a trend and propose a step change to give your products and services a real market advantage."
- Customisation Account Manager, Airbus



"The biggest attributes a civil engineer requires are problem solving, an ability to work in a team and a strong work ethic. These are crucial to your success as an engineer. A willingness to try new ideas is also welcomed, as the industry is always changing and progressing."
- Graduate Consultant Engineer, Mouchel

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