Attributes of a Global Engineer

ASEE Corporate Member Council Special Interest Group for International Engineering Education in partnership with IFEES

The initial initiative of the ASEE International Engineering Education Special Interest Group has been to develop and present an assessment of the skills and experiences required by engineering graduates to work effectively in a global environment with the goal of enhancing the employability of engineering graduates and increasing the international competitiveness of ASEE’s academic members.

This is a draft of the suggested list of attributes of a "global engineer."

Engineering Science Fundamentals

• Mathematics (including statistics)
• Physical and Life Sciences
• Political and Socio-economic Sciences
• Information Technology - Digital Competency

Engineering

• Understanding of Design and Product Processes
• Understanding of Product Life Cycle Development
• Effective Teamwork/Common Goals
• Possess a Multi-Disciplinary, Systems Perspective
• Maintain Focus with Multiple Project Assignments

Context in which Engineering is practiced

• Economics/Finances of Projects
• Basic Supplier Management Principles
• Customer and Societal Emotions and Needs
• Cultures, Languages, and Business Norms
• Societal, Economic, and Environmental Impacts of Engineering Decisions
• An International/Global Perspective

Communication

• Written (Memos, reports, email, letters, etc.)
• Verbal (Technical & non-technical presentations plus an effective “elevator” speech)
• Foreign Language (Technically fluent in at least two languages acknowledging English is considered a key global language)
• Graphic (Design drawings, charts & graphs, presentation, and basic brochure design)
• Digital Competency
• Competent at Internet Collaboration and Communication Tools (Web-based meeting tools, team rooms, teleconferencing; file sharing, E-mail, etc.)
• Listening

Teamwork

• Active and Effective Participation in Team Efforts
• A Willingness to Respect the Opinions of Others and Support Team Decisions

Leadership

• An Acceptable Personal Image and a Positive Personal Attitude
• Treating People with Fairness, Trust, and Respect
• Respect for Diversity
• Courtesy and Respect
• An Eagerness to Help Others

Flexibility

• Self-Confidence to Adapt to Rapid/Continuous/Major Change
• Thinking Both Critically and Creatively - Independently and Cooperatively

Curiosity and Desire to Learn - For Life (Show initiative, Inquire & Learn)

• Seeking Advice and Forming Daily Questions to Discover New Insights.

Commitment to Quality, Timeliness, and Continuous Improvement

• Understanding Basic Project and Risk Management and Continuous Improvement Concepts (like LEAN+)

Ethical Standards and Professionalism

• Operate in Accordance With Acceptable Business, Societal, and Professional Norms
• Maintain the Highest Level of Integrity, Ethical Behavior, and Professional Competence
• Understand and Applies Good Personal Judgment