Henry Petroski’s vision of engineering from the book, “To Engineer Is Human: The Role of Failure in Successful Design” took little time to actualize. The modern engineer is a lot like a Swiss Army knife–you have multiple tools to tackle many problems.
However, a Swiss Army knife can become obsolete if it doesn’t evolve with new tools and technology. Engineers must constantly adapt and upgrade their skills to stay relevant in today’s rapidly evolving world.
The field of engineering is becoming increasingly specialized as technology advances and innovations appear. This means that the market expects engineers to have expertise in multiple technologies. This includes digital application development to remain competitive in the job market.
According to research by the McKinsey Global Institute, automation and artificial intelligence will result in a large number of workers, about 375 million, changing careers and acquiring new skills by 2030. This further emphasizes the need for engineers to constantly improve and upgrade their abilities in digital application development and other related fields to remain competitive in the job market.
The Changing Face of the Engineering Profession
Gone are the days when a single engineer could independently design, construct, and operate a machine. Engineers now have to have diverse skills, knowledge, and abilities to handle and integrate new technologies. These include cloud application development in their projects.
This shift in engineering is positive, as it opens up a world of opportunities for engineers. The ability to handle multiple technologies empowers engineers to tackle a wide range of assignments. This also means that they are less likely to be laid off. They become more valuable in the job market. Plus, work on innovative projects that would not be possible with a single set of skills.
But the shift in the engineering field also poses challenges for engineers, such as understanding how various software products work together in application design and development and dealing with the complexity of enterprise digital transformation.
They must be able to anticipate and plan for potential issues that may arise down the line. But also be able to implement preventative measures to ensure the system remains stable. Engineers also need to constantly learn and adapt to new technologies, such as cloud software development and cloud application development services, to stay current and competitive in the job market.
Discover why having a diverse set of skills as an engineer is essential in the current landscape in this comprehensive article. It includes the shift towards using software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions is affecting the engineering field.
The actions you can take to become one and how to work with a custom software development firm. We will also cover the challenges engineers face in a rapidly evolving field and how to overcome them. By the end of this article, you will clearly understand the importance of being a multifaceted engineer in today’s world.
The Shift to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
In recent years, there has been a shift in the engineering field toward using Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions. Several factors have driven this. Mainly the growing need for scalability since many engineers operate privately. The increasing number of startups and companies offering software as a service and the rise of cloud computing. SaaS solutions are software products hosted remotely and accessed over the internet rather than installed on a local device. This allows engineers to access the powerful software from anywhere, on any device, as long as they have an internet connection.
Advantages
- Eliminates the need to build software solutions from scratch
- Increases efficiency and productivity by allowing engineers to focus on their areas of expertise
- Cost-effective as engineers don’t have to invest time and resources into developing and maintaining the software
Challenges
- Maintenance as engineers have to rely on the provider to make updates and fix any issues
- Long-term costs can add up over time
- Vendor lock-in can make it difficult to switch to a different solution
Navigating the New Frontier: The Impact of Software-as-a-Service on the Engineering Skillset
This shift to SaaS solutions has had a significant impact on the field of digital application development and cloud application development. The domino effect of these solutions has, in turn, spilled over to the job market. With more engineers becoming familiar with these pre-built solutions, there may be less demand for engineers who can build custom solutions from scratch. This is leading to a shift towards engineers who are experts in integrating and maintaining different SaaS solutions. Essentially, only those who can work with these technologies rather than engineering skills.
For one, engineers must also be able to integrate different systems and understand how various cloud application development services work together. And implicitly, engineers must also have knowledge and skills in application design and development to stay competitive in the job market.
Additionally, engineers need to understand the implications for future maintenance when using SaaS systems. Engineers need to be able to anticipate and plan for potential issues that may arise down the line. They must be able to implement preventative measures to ensure that the system remains stable.
Many experts predict that the ongoing technological advancements dubbed the Fourth Industrial Revolution will create new industries and job positions that don’t currently exist. However, in the current context, individuals performing routine tasks may risk losing their jobs.
Yet, futurists don’t predict a rise in global unemployment due to this revolution. They rather believe that the changes will lead to evolution and adaptation. This has been the core of our civilization and keeps showing up everywhere. Therefore, it is essential to realize that resisting change is not an option. Instead, it is necessary to embrace change and be adaptable to the changes that come with it.
Specializing or Being a Jack of All Trades?
Engineering encompasses various disciplines, each requiring unique skills and talents. It can be overwhelming for freshly graduated engineers to decide on which domain to specialize. Some may opt to go with the flow and let fate decide, while others may have a rigid plan but risk missing out on new opportunities. With a bit of experience in the field, they soon realize the key is to strike a balance between planning and flexibility. That is, having a general idea of what you want to achieve and remaining open to new opportunities. This allows them to dip into several fields to learn hands-on before delving deeper into one field.
Becoming multifaceted in engineering can be challenging. During the formative stages of their careers, generalists and multifaceted engineers often find themselves in roles such as teaching, admin, or project management. These positions may work for younger engineers looking to gain broader experience before specializing, but for more senior engineers, the options for growth are limited.
On the other hand, specializing may limit options in the short term, but it opens up a whole new world of possibilities in the long run. It allows engineers to stand out in the job market, and employers take notice of their expertise in a specific area. However, it’s important to note that specializing takes time to achieve. It requires time, effort, and dedication to a specific area before you can truly call yourself an expert. To specialize, you must build a broad base of knowledge and experience, asking you to start as a high-level generalist before venturing into the realm of passions, dreams, and goals.
The Impact of Specialization on the Job Market
Specialization has a significant impact on the engineering job market. As industries evolve and new technologies emerge, engineers with specific skills and expertise to meet their needs become more attractive employment prospects. As a result, engineers who specialize in a particular area are in high demand and can often command higher salaries than those with a more general engineering background.
A survey conducted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) revealed that data analysis, machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT) related abilities are the most sought-after skills. This trend has led to creating new roles and positions, such as data scientists and cybersecurity engineers, that did not exist before. It has also increased demand for engineers with specific skills, such as those with experience in automation, AI, and machine learning.
A Specialty Today Is Like a Superpower, But the Future May Bring Kryptonite
However, the job market is also evolving as the engineering field becomes more specialized. As companies and industries move towards software as a Service (SaaS) systems and increased automation, they have been able to outsource some specialized engineering roles. The result is wholesale layoffs of highly specialized engineers who are no longer needed in their current positions. This trend has resulted in job market changes where highly technical engineers with high wage demands and whose skillset is no longer in prime demand and face unemployment or lower-paying jobs.
On the other hand, multifaceted engineers can be more adaptable and versatile. They can work in different fields, which provides them with a broader perspective, thus helping them approach problems more holistically. They can leverage their multifaceted background to explore new industries and work in various fields.
The Longevity of a Multifaceted Approach
Research by the National Science Board indicates that graduates who possess knowledge and experience across multiple disciplines tend to receive more job offers. So, by leveling up your skills and becoming a multifaceted engineer, you are positioning yourself to be more valuable in the job market.
Plus, it’s always better to be prepared for any eventuality, whether it’s a potential layoff or a new opportunity that arises. Being a multifaceted engineer may be a more adaptive strategy in these cases. However, it’s ultimately a personal decision that each engineer must make based on their individual goals, interests, and career aspirations.
Skills Engineers Need to Possess to Thrive in Today’s Industry
Technical Skills
Engineers should be well-versed in the tools and technology they utilize in their industry and have a solid grounding in the specialty in which they are working.
Specialized Skills
Because engineering is becoming an increasingly specialized discipline, engineers must have competence in various technologies. To continue to be valuable and competitive in their industry, engineers must continually educate themselves on new advances and adjust their practices accordingly.
Problem-solving Skills
Engineers are frequently sought out to find solutions to complex challenges. They need to have excellent analytic and critical thinking abilities to see issues, conceive solutions, and settle on a course of action.
Communication Skills and Multidisciplinary Approach
Engineers are increasingly being called upon to work in interdisciplinary teams. This requires them to interact and communicate effectively with specialists from various disciplines.
Project-management Skills
Engineers have to be capable of efficiently managing, planning, and organizing the projects they work on. This entails having the ability to collaborate effectively with others. This is a core skill since engineers must manage resources effectively, meet deadlines, and work within certain constraints.
Tips for Leveling Up Your Skills
Becoming a multifaceted engineer requires a commitment to continuous learning and development. Here are a few tips to help you level up your skills:
- Learn new technologies. Keep yourself updated on your field’s latest technologies and advancements. Stay informed of new software, tools, and equipment that could benefit your work.
- Participate in continuing education. Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and certifications to gain new skills and knowledge. Many universities and organizations offer free or low-cost online classes for engineers.
- Network. Attend industry events, conferences, and meetups to connect with other engineers and professionals. These events provide an opportunity to learn from experts and make valuable connections.
- Volunteer. Volunteer for projects and initiatives that will allow you to work with new technologies or take on different roles. This will enhance not only your skills but also your career profile.
- Get hands-on experience. Participate in internships and co-op programs or work on personal projects to gain practical experience. This will allow you to apply what you have learned and gain real-world experience.
- Develop soft skills. It’s not just technical skills that are important, but also soft skills like communication, project management, and leadership. Developing these skills will make you a valuable asset to any team you are a part of.
Remember, it’s about acquiring new skills and maintaining them. Continuously apply and use your skills to keep them sharp and current.
Conclusion
According to a report by the World Economic Forum, jobs that require a solid background in STEM fields, such as engineering, are less likely to be impacted by automation and are expected to see an increase in demand. That said, engineers must have expertise in multiple technologies to stay competitive.
But this shift is a good thing – being a multifaceted engineer opens up a world of opportunities and makes you more valuable in the job market. So, level up your skills, stay adaptable and be open to new ideas. Because in the end, being a multifaceted engineer is not only an asset but also a must in today’s world.
As more companies undergo Enterprise Digital Transformation, the demand for engineers with experience in custom software development firms and cloud software development companies has increased.
At Practicallogix, we merge creativity, planning, and technical expertise to design cutting-edge software solutions for the present and future. Contact us for highly flexible, component-based advanced solutions to maximize the potential of your digital transformation journey.
