Like many professions, the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries seek a particular set of skills in prospective employees. Among these skills, some are broadly applicable to a range of fields, dubbed in this blog post as ‘General Skills.’ On the other hand, some skills are more specifically relevant to roles within the AEC/technical design domain, which are important when searching for a job in the industry.
In this article, we will explore the in-demand ‘General Skills’ and ‘AEC-Specific’ skills relevant to your future after graduating from Digital School Technical Design College.
General Skills
Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills
Collaborative teamwork is a common requirement in many roles, as well as AEC positions. Whether you’re a technical designer collaborating with fellow designers and engineers to develop a product, or a BIM manager overseeing and managing relations between an entire team, showcasing adaptability and leadership is essential to completing projects efficiently.
Communication
Effective communication skills are crucial. Proficiency in expressing ideas, sharing opinions and providing constructive criticism with management, colleagues and clients is essential. Additionally, the ability to deliver engaging presentations and communicate easily through email and phone is a valuable attribute – creating an environment of understanding, and ensuring both your team and clients are on the same page.
Enthusiasm & Positivity
Demonstrating enthusiasm and a positive attitude for your work is crucial for prospective employers. Whether through pursuing additional training, acquiring certificates, building a personal portfolio or just approaching your tasks with eagerness, showcasing a keen desire to acquire new skills and complete projects with positivity serves as compelling evidence of your enthusiasm and commitment to your job.
Problem Solving
Problem-solving abilities are integral in AEC roles, just as in any profession. Confronted with various challenges, you must adeptly identify, assess and analyze problems, making informed decisions while highlighting potential solutions.
AEC-Specific Skills
Software Proficiency
You need to be familiar with popular BIM programs relevant to your chosen field. The good news is, as a Digital School graduate, you have all the software skills needed to begin working on projects from the moment you’re hired! The ability to jump from graduation straight onto real-life projects is one that will bump you to the top of the list for potential employers.
Adaptability
In the ever-evolving AEC industry, it’s imperative to stay on top of the latest developments, such as significant software releases, technological innovations, and yearly updates to Autodesk software versions. Being prepared to acquire new knowledge and demonstrating a willingness to adapt are essential in this dynamic environment.
Practiced Skills & Experience
It’s important to show potential employers that you’ve not only learned the software skills relevant to your position of interest, but that you’ve had real, hands-on experience. It’s with this in mind that Digital School handcrafted a curriculum that allows students to work on projects and create a portfolio that would impress any employer.
