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What skills or experiences are essential for a successful engineering career?

I am majoring in civil engineering and interested in project management.

fall25 professionaldevelopment construction-management engineeringcareer civilengineering projectmanagement
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Jonathan’s Answer

Embrace the courage to seek help and tackle the various challenges that come your way. Maintain a mindset that is open to learning and willing to take on a variety of tasks. It’s essential to develop soft skills such as effective communication, empathy, and both verbal and written proficiency, as these will significantly enhance your interactions with others. Additionally, consider pursuing certifications to bolster your qualifications; start with free options to build your foundation, and then progress to more recognized certifications that can further elevate your professional standing.
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Jessica’s Answer

Technical skills are most important in engineering, but "soft skills" are so important to build a career in any profession. Building relationships, managing competing priorities, finding mentors, and asking for and implementing feedback are key to moving up the ladder and elevate your career. Continue to be curious and learn, and demonstrate that you are trustworthy and dependable.
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Stephanie’s Answer

Skills, abilities, and interests necessary for a successful project manager include organization, attention to detail, communication (both verbal and written), follow-up skills, being comfortable with being uncomfortable - meaning you can't be a domain expert (subject matter expert) on every single thing that may come across your path as a project manager. You have to enjoy working with people and cannot be afraid of conflict and working through conflict. Curiosity, willingness to always be learning, and a sense of humor are necessary. I've found this to be a good mantra as a program & project manager: The plan is the plan until the plan changes.
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Eduardo’s Answer

Start by seeking summer internships as early as possible—and try to complete as many as you can. These real-world experiences will not only help you connect classroom theory to practical applications but also give you a strong competitive edge over candidates without hands-on experience.
Communication skills are essential in any field, and engineering is no exception. Being able to clearly convey ideas and negotiate effectively will set you apart as a leader.
If you’re interested in project management, consider pursuing certifications like PMP or CAPM. These programs will prepare you in key areas such as planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management, giving you a solid foundation for managing complex projects.

Eduardo recommends the following next steps:

Internships
PMP or CAPM
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

To succeed in civil engineering with a focus on project management, you need a strong combination of technical knowledge, practical experience, and soft skills. Begin by building a solid foundation in structural design, construction materials, surveying, and cost analysis. Develop proficiency with essential tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, and MS Project, and showcase your work through a well-organized online presence or professional portfolio. In project management roles, you will be expected to plan schedules, manage budgets, assess and control risks, and maintain safety standards. Familiarity with sustainable building practices, GIS, and emerging technologies like BIM will further strengthen your expertise.

Equally important are communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Gain hands-on experience through internships, volunteer opportunities, or independent projects, and build connections within the industry. Consider pursuing certifications such as PMP, CAPM, LEED, or OSHA safety training to enhance your qualifications. With a strong skill set, practical experience, relevant certifications, industry relationships, and consistent dedication, you can advance your career and ensure long-term professional growth in civil engineering project management.
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Karlene’s Answer

Hi Sasha, you've received some great advice already, so here's my take as a technical project manager. Here are a few key points for my role:

1. Communicate well: Listen carefully, clarify by paraphrasing, provide direction, and communicate frequently.
2. Collaborate: Understand your audience and remember your idea isn't the only one. Teamwork is essential.
3. Stay organized: Keep track of all project elements.
4. Be accountable: Ensure everyone does their part and provide honest, clear information.
5. Know the details: Do your research and understand how everything fits together, even if you rely on experts.
6. Prepare and follow up consistently.

Let me know if this helps. Karlene
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