The Importance of Soft Skills in Engineering and Engineering Education

The book "The Importance of Soft Skills in Engineering and Engineering Education" examines the essential role of soft skills in engineering education and the engineering profession. It emphasizes the importance of effectively integrating hard and soft skills to enhance personal competence. Key soft skills include communication, creativity, empathy, flexibility, integrity, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork. While hard skills are associated with intelligence quotient (IQ), soft skills are linked to emotional quotient (EQ). The successful combination of both skill sets can significantly improve professional behavior and help professionals act as agents of change. The book highlights the relevance of soft skills in the context of Engineering 4.0 and provides readers with the opportunity for self-assessment to identify and improve their skills.