Why The Demand For Engineering Graduates Is On The Rise

Sponsored by Macquarie University

With a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skill shortage in various parts of the world, the need for more engineering graduates is on the rise to fill these gaps.

In recent years, Australia’s demand for engineers has started to outstrip supply, especially in the mining, civil infrastructure and manufacturing industries. While in the US, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that 140,000 new engineering jobs will be created by 2026 in the US alone, meaning prospective engineering graduates there will also be in high demand.

So, what does this mean for engineering students and graduates?

Given this growing skills gap, it’s important that aspiring engineers are able to harness their well-rounded and sophisticated skillsets – something which prospective employers will always be on the lookout for- and a bachelor’s degree in engineering can be a great starting point to help you do this. 

Good leadership skills are highly sought after in an any engineering workplace. As an engineer, you need to have the ability to assess risk and take initiative – something which employers will always be on the look-out for.

Engineers also need to be able to deliver projects on time – even in the face of constraints and obstacles. If you are deadline driven and excel under pressure, you’ll go far. 

Another skill that will serve you well in engineering – and honestly in any career path – is communication. Whether you’re working on a construction site or in the office, effective communication is essential to ensure good health and safety procedures, that products are assembled correctly, and that everyone working on the project is on the same page too.

Engineers usually have a more technical and complex understanding of things, but not everyone they work with will have the same technical experience which makes it even more important for them to be able to communicate effectively. 

For example, if you decide to work as a mechanical engineer and design a new machine or product, you should have the ability to describe your invention not only to fellow engineers but also to the company who may want to buy your invention and market it to their customers.

There are also other numerous other interpersonal skills that will serve you well as an engineer...