When you think of an engineer, what comes to mind? Complex calculations, designing systems, maybe even coding into the late hours. While technical skills are undeniably essential, there’s another side to the equation that often gets overlooked—Professional Communication and Soft Skills.

Imagine this: You’ve come up with a brilliant idea that could revolutionize your field. But when it’s time to explain it to your team or pitch it to a potential investor, the words just don’t come out right. The idea falls flat, not because it wasn’t good, but because it wasn’t communicated well.

That’s why today, more than ever, engineering students must balance their technical know-how with the ability to connect, collaborate, and communicate. Let’s break down why these skills are so important and how you can start building them right now.

Why Professional Communication Matters

Enhancing Employability
In today’s job market, employers aren’t just looking for someone who can code or design, they’re looking for someone who can explain what they do clearly, especially to people outside their field.

Think about two candidates with the same GPA and technical skills. One confidently shares their ideas and answers questions clearly during an interview. The other struggles to explain their project work. Who do you think gets the job?

That’s the power of communication.

Effective Collaboration

Engineering is rarely a solo mission. Whether you’re working in a startup or a multinational company, teamwork is part of the deal.

Now imagine you’re working on a tight-deadline project, and a small miscommunication throws the whole timeline off. Costly errors like these can be easily avoided with clear and consistent communication.

Bridging the Technical-Non-Technical Gap

You might understand every inch of your design, but can you explain it to a client with no engineering background?

Good communication bridges this gap. For instance, pitching a sustainable energy concept to investors isn’t just about showing calculations, it’s about telling a story they can understand and believe in.

Leadership and Project Management

As you grow in your career, your role evolves. It’s no longer just about doing the technical work, it’s about leading it.

You’ll be writing reports, managing people, resolving conflicts, and presenting ideas. These tasks demand emotional intelligence, clarity in communication, and strong leadership qualities.

Career Advancement

Ever wonder why some people climb the ladder faster than others? One big reason: their ability to communicate.

Studies suggest that up to 70% of career advancement depends on soft skills, especially communication. It’s the difference between being heard and being remembered.

The Role of Soft Skills in Engineering

Soft skills are your people skills, how you interact, think, adapt, and lead. Here are a few must-haves for every aspiring engineer:

Interpersonal Skills: Building trust and rapport with colleagues and clients.

Problem-Solving: Thinking critically to tackle complex challenges.

Adaptability: Staying open to new ideas, technologies, and ways of working.

Leadership: Inspiring and guiding teams toward common goals.

Time Management: Balancing multiple responsibilities efficiently.

How Engineering Students Can Improve These Skills

Building soft skills isn’t as hard as it seems. It just takes consistent effort and a bit of curiosity. Here’s how you can start:

● Join Group Discussions and Debates: These help you think on your feet and express ideas clearly.

● Try Public Speaking: Clubs like Toastmasters can work wonders for your confidence.

● Practice Technical Writing: Start a blog or contribute to a student journal. It sharpens both your thinking and writing.

● Take Internships Seriously: Observe how professionals communicate at work. It’s one of the best real-world lessons.

● Learn Business Etiquette: How you write an email or behave in meetings matters more than you think.

● Ask for Feedback: Don’t shy away from critique, it’s one of the best ways to grow.

It’s More Than Just Equations and Code

Yes, your technical skills will get your foot in the door. But your communication and soft skills? They’ll help you climb the ladder, lead teams, and leave a lasting impact.

So, picture your future self—not just as an engineer buried in blueprints or code, but as a confident professional, presenting your ideas, leading projects, and inspiring others.

The journey starts now. And it starts with a conversation, maybe the one you have today, in class, with a teammate, or during your next internship. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

Because in the end, it’s not just about building great things, it’s about sharing them with the world.

Dr. Devanshi Sanghavi, Ad hoc Faculty, Professional Communication, School of Engineering, Plastindia International University.