Comprehensive engineering training: promoting leadership, teamwork, and empowerment

Abstract

In a constantly changing world, professionals must be prepared not only in the technical field but also in developing personal, socio-emotional, and soft skills, which are essential for their performance in the workplace. These competencies include empathy, leadership, teamwork, resilience, and self-motivation, among others. Companies increasingly value these skills as they enable the formation of efficient work teams capable of positively impacting productivity and organizational climate.

In engineering, particularly in disciplines with a strong physical-mechanical component, such as electrical, mechanical, and electronic engineering, training has traditionally focused on the development of specific technical knowledge. However, the teaching of socio-emotional skills has been limited. Although some programs have incorporated humanities and arts-related courses in recent years, the available offerings remain insufficient to ensure the comprehensive development of transversal competencies.

Aware of this need, since 2017, at the Technological University of Pereira, the WIE – UTP (Women in Engineering) group, made up of students and professors, has developed and implemented various strategies to strengthen key skills in engineering students, such as teamwork, self-motivation, and leadership. These initiatives have led to the creation of complementary training spaces, fostering the active participation of students in activities that enhance their personal and professional development.

Among the implemented strategies, the most notable include workshops conducted by university students for young school and high school students to encourage the interest and participation of women in science and technology careers. Additionally, the group has organized academic, cultural, and sports events for the educational community, where students play an active role in all stages of the process, from planning and logistics (including securing sponsorships, selecting and inviting speakers, and obtaining resources) to the execution of activities. Likewise, they have participated in creating and disseminating a commemorative mural highlighting the role of women in science, contributing to the visibility of their impact in the technological field.

This article details the strategies implemented, the results obtained, and the impact they have had on the comprehensive training of future engineers. It emphasizes the importance of complementing technical education with the development of soft skills to successfully face the challenges of the labor market.