In a 2014 LinkedIn survey of workers who had recently left their job for
another employer, better leadership from senior management was the
second-most-cited reason for the switch. Among engineers, which LinkedIn tracks as one of the most
in-demand job functions based on number of recruiting messages sent to
members with that role, turnover rate from July 2021 to June 2022 was at
11.5%, higher than the average across all industries.
Leadership can make the difference between a workplace that retains its
employees and one that suffers from frequent turnover. And leadership in
engineering is especially critical. This is where engineering managers come
into play.
You find the same qualities in a good leader as you do in a good engineer.
In fact, a Harvard Business Review survey in 2018 found that,
among the
100 top-performing CEOs, more held engineering degrees than MBAs.
What makes engineers, and by extension engineering managers, such good
leaders? They have the ability to analyze complex situations and make
informed decisions based on available information. They remain calm under
pressure and are creative in finding solutions. They communicate
expectations with integrity and develop important skills to motivate
others. And they listen to the perspectives of others, consider different
viewpoints, and collaborate to find the best possible outcome.
Whether they are choosing the right material to construct a long-lasting
building or developing an automated process to simplify mass production,
understanding the challenges, identifying problems, seeing all the
contributing factors and devising workable solutions is at the heart of
what engineers do.
An engineering management degree prepares leaders who can be change agents
in their organizations and the wider industry. They can drive innovation
and promote new ways of thinking that can lead to better outcomes for their
organizations and society as a whole. By pursuing a master's degree in
engineering management, or by adding a certificate in engineering
management to technical master’s degrees, individuals can develop the
skills and knowledge needed to lead change effectively and make a positive
impact.
Robert Lazzaro is the program manager for the Systems Engineering and Engineering Management programs and an adjunct faculty member for the Engineering Management Program. He has more than 30 years of industry experience and is a Professional Member of the American Society for Engineering Management.
Learn more about earning an engineering management certificate with a master's degree in your discipline.