What does
industry really
want?
ANDREW WILSON
SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
ENGR 339A SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT
What is the number one thing
that industry really wants to see
improved in the graduates that
they hire?
Communication Skills
Why is this so important?
Your success or failure will depend on a nonengineer.
You must convince them that you have the
abilities, skills, and character they need.
How can you do this?
• Know your audience
• Convince them that:
• They need you
• You know them
• They can trust you
What must I do?
Oral communication
◦ Challenge – 15 min webcam
Written communication
◦ Your product
◦ Paper - Not stuff
◦ Resume
Daily communication
◦ Phone, email, memos
Resources
◦ Moodle
Success or failure
Not likely to be driven by your technical
ability, by your ability to inspire confidence in
your ability.
If I am going to be successful as an
engineer, I need to communicate
well.
The most important
area for you to
improve in the eyes
of the company
that you will go to
work for is your
communication
skills
Commit to improvement
• Start by reviewing the resources on Moodle
• Look for other opportunities to improve
• Toastmasters
• Write a short story
• Keep a diary