“Communication skills are an essential component in the education of engineering students to facilitate not just students’ education but also to prepare them for their future careers.” Marc Riemer, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University (2007)

 After looking through the various questions, this quote intrigues me the most as it personally affects me. There are two points that I will be elaborating on, one being communication in schools, workplaces and the other being our current society. 

The entirety of engineering requires the use of communication to function. Similar to machines and AI, effective communication makes or breaks our ability to achieve our goals Students, teachers, and colleagues alike communicate to facilitate the dissemination of information, ideas and feedback. Charisma sets a person apart from the rest and serves as a steppingstone for further opportunities and career advancement.

Despite the importance of communication skills, the rise of AI and robots have diminished the need for social interactions, thus society has developed into one that is closed off and individualistic. The rift between employers and employees is widening due to a lack of communication and understanding of expectations between each other. It is also up to us to be able to utilize technology for our benefit and not to sabotage ourselves.