Five skills for Civil Engineers

1. Ability to read literature
This is nothing but the ability to read and digest the college textbooks which are accepted by the wider civil engineering community. For example, Water resources engineering by Ray K. Linsley
Read and understand journals like Géotechnique, Cement-and-concrete-Research​
2. Work with modern software
Calculations are generally done with Spreadsheets, CAD sheets
Not just do the calculations, we do need to know exactly the formula employed and do hand calculations to check.
If possible master the art of computer programming
3. People dynamics and teach
We need clarity in our thought and procedures, so that we could delegate the same
There is a new skill called emotional intelligence, we can learn more about it by reading some articles such as Harvard Business Review​
How to teach is an important part of the day to nourish
How to fold engineering drawings
How to take notes
How to decide which option to adopt
How not to be lazy
These are the skills we need to teach people around us without being mean.
4. Decisive
The ability to take decision. Seems easy but takes few years of practice to depending on the task
For example,
1.How much approximation is okay
2.Which work to prioritize
3.Are the design calculations satisfactory
4.Submit fast, and update fast with input from reviewers
5. Talk less
Not literally talking less. It means more action.
Carefully use the words - "Never", "Perfect", "100%", "hard work", "Wrong"
Use these words regularly - "Thank you", "Is this design seem okay?"
Add a factor of safety when updating a possible timeline. If the work can be completed in a week, add a safety of a day or two to account for other urgent work.
Get preliminary info (data), and do some calculations to know what other information is required.
Do not try to impress people. You do not need to.
Stay to the point, always keep the final objective of the discussion in mind.
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Contents

1. Ability to read literature

2. Work with modern software

3. People dynamics and teach

4. Decisive

5. Talk less