Panel Session Educating Graduates For A Flat World 2

Competency in your technical field of knowledge is not sufficient for success in professional life in engineering. Graduates need more than what the normal degree/curriculum provides. Thomas L. Friedman – “The World is Flat A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century” – provides significant documentation of the forces driving the rebalancing of relationships between nations and industries. Professionals, including, engineers will have their careers shaped by those same forces. From an engineering standpoint technology has provided the mobility that flattens everything. And, engineering (and science) will continue to do so. Barriers will continue to be lowered or fall, further promoting mobility. But, some barriers in areas as culture, language, values, etc. will persist. Engineers who understand the opportunities and danger represented by mobility and are able to effectively surmount problems of culture and similar factor will be the professionals that thrive. A panel with strong interest and expertise in such issues will address how to successfully compete in an environment that appears to promote outsourcing. • What are the skill sets that will provide the economic and professional distinction and advantages necessary for competition in a global environment? • How are those skill sets achieved? • What are the changes in curricula required of our academic institutions? • How vital is the role of non-technical knowledge in the future of engineering graduates?