What skills do you need to overcome barriers in environmental engineering projects?

1 Technical skills

Technical skills are the foundation of environmental engineering, as they enable engineers to apply scientific principles, methods, and tools to solve environmental problems. Technical skills include knowledge of engineering disciplines, such as civil, chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering, as well as environmental sciences, such as ecology, hydrology, geology, and chemistry. Technical skills also involve the ability to use software, hardware, and data to design, model, test, and evaluate environmental systems and solutions. To develop technical skills, environmental engineers need to pursue formal education, training, and certification in relevant fields, as well as stay updated on the latest research, innovations, and best practices in environmental engineering.

2 Analytical skills

Analytical skills are the ability to collect, process, and interpret data and information to support decision making and problem solving in environmental engineering. Analytical skills include the ability to define and scope problems, identify and evaluate alternatives, perform cost-benefit and risk analysis, and measure and monitor outcomes and impacts. Analytical skills also involve the ability to use critical thinking, logic, and creativity to identify and address assumptions, limitations, uncertainties, and biases in environmental engineering projects. To enhance analytical skills, environmental engineers need to practice using different types of data sources, methods, and tools, such as statistics, surveys, experiments, simulations, and geographic information systems (GIS).

4 Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are the ability to interact and collaborate with others in environmental engineering. Interpersonal skills include the ability to work effectively in teams, build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, and manage and resolve conflicts. Interpersonal skills also involve the ability to demonstrate respect, empathy, and cultural awareness for diverse perspectives and values in environmental engineering. To strengthen interpersonal skills, environmental engineers need to seek opportunities to work on multidisciplinary and multicultural projects, participate in networking and mentoring activities, and develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

5 Leadership skills

Leadership skills are the ability to influence and inspire others to achieve common goals and visions in environmental engineering. Leadership skills include the ability to set and communicate clear and realistic objectives, delegate and coordinate tasks and responsibilities, and motivate and empower others. Leadership skills also involve the ability to demonstrate integrity, accountability, and ethical standards in environmental engineering. To cultivate leadership skills, environmental engineers need to take on leadership roles and responsibilities, seek feedback and coaching, and learn from successful and unsuccessful examples of leadership in environmental engineering.

6 Adaptability skills

Adaptability skills are the ability to cope with and respond to changing and unpredictable situations in environmental engineering. Adaptability skills include the ability to learn from experience and feedback, embrace new challenges and opportunities, and adjust plans and actions accordingly. Adaptability skills also involve the ability to manage stress and uncertainty, and balance competing demands and priorities in environmental engineering. To develop adaptability skills, environmental engineers need to expose themselves to different and unfamiliar scenarios, seek feedback and support, and adopt a growth mindset and a positive attitude.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?