Desired Qualities of an Engineering Graduate

Updated at the July 10, 1998 Meeting of the

Employer Stakeholder Focus Group

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Michigan State University

The following list of qualities that an employer might look for in an engineer:

  1. possesses the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics (including statistics), physical science, technology, and engineering;

  2. possesses technical depth in some area of interest to the company;

  3. possesses critical thinking skills;

  4. possesses an entrepreneurial spirit;

  5. possesses good communication skills—oral, written and listening;

  6. possesses an understanding of the value of teaming;

  7. possesses the ability to adapt to change;

  8. possesses tenacity;

  9. possesses leadership skills (or leadership potential);

  10. possesses enthusiasm about the field of work;

  11. possesses enthusiasm about working.