Engineering uses a complex blend of specialized knowledge, science, math, design, construction, and empiricism in order to build valuable products or services for society. In all cases, great feats of engineering require great organisational abilities; and the greater the feat, the greater the need for competent managerial practice. Engineering Management sees the application of managerial practice to the discipline of engineering.
This is a career route which straddles the fields of business and engineering, and will see you blend engineering’s technical and problem-solving expertise with the administrative planning of business management. It is a position of leadership, often appreciated by engineers, as it helps to bring projects to completion, on time and within budget. Many of the necessary skills may not come naturally to engineers; however, once they are learnt, they can be applied to a range of industries, even supervising cross-disciplinary teams globally.
Today, with an increasing need for a new kind of engineer who is both tech and business savvy and businesses going global, engineering firms around the world require a new professional. This individual should have a core degree in engineering and also be aware of management principles and business skills to run a firm.
- W. Dougherty, professor of civil engineering at the University of Tennessee, said in 1955, “The ideal engineer is a composite… He is not a scientist, he is not a mathematician, he is not a sociologist or a writer; but he may use the knowledge and techniques of any or all of these disciplines in solving engineering problems,” His words are just as true today. Engineers of the 21st century require an interdisciplinary approach to solve today’s complex problems.
Companies and organizations are invested in hiring engineers who can integrate technical expertise, savvy business acumen, and effective interpersonal communication skills. Those who can do this are prime candidates for positions in management. Successful engineering managers understand that they must take an integrated view of management in order to streamline operational activities, meet deliverables on time, and achieve organization goals.
According to geteducted.com the field of engineering management is expected to grow nine percent. We can most likely see increases in research and development, architectural engineering, biomedical, and environmental engineering. Competition will be high for acquiring these positions so it is likely that companies will place a higher priority on candidates with advanced technical knowledge, excellent interpersonal communication skills, and expert business management and financial skills. Jessica McKellar, successful startup founder and software engineer, writes:
“When engineering management is done right, you’re focusing on three big things. You’re directly supporting the people on your team; you’re managing execution and coordination across teams; and you’re stepping back to observe and evolve the broader organization and its processes as it grows.”
The Master in Engineering Management from Athena Global Education has been designed to fulfill the demand for the New Age professional. They are familiar with new technologies and also experts in business management and customer relationships.
The Master in Engineering Management is a 60 ECTS Credits program from Guglielmo Marconi University, Italy, accredited by the Ministry of Education, Italy, with a flexible duration of 9-24 months. It is an interdisciplinary program that bridges the gap between the fields of engineering, technology, and business. Combining core courses in Engineering, Finance, Human Resources, Sustainability, Project Management, Health & Safety, and Environment, the program provides a solid balance of fundamental engineering principles, management and leadership techniques, and the art and science of business within the engineering industry. This course teaches the learner to take an integrated view of management in order to streamline operational activities, meet deliverables on time, and achieve organization goals, thus making him/her prime candidates for senior management. Additional certification is Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Management from Cambridge International Qualifications, UK .
Through this program, those studying to become engineering managers learn how to effectively utilize technical, financial, and human resources. They also hone their conceptual skills such as critical thinking, analytical thinking, and problem-solving. Engineering managers in training are not only advancing their career, they are contributing to the goals of their organization in ways that are both sustainable and impactful to the clients they serve and the population at large.
