A case for focus on professional communication skills at senior undergraduate level in Engineering and the Built Environment

Abstract

An initial qualitative investigation was undertaken to determine the parameters defining professional written and spoken communication in industry, professional engineering and built environment bodies and other potential employers of graduates from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. The study questioned whether these parameters are met by the current courses offered by Professional Communication Studies (PCS) at the University of Cape Town (UCT). PCS aims to equip all students graduating from the faculty with communication skills to meet the demands their future careers will make on their ability to write and present technical data. Research into curricula for Professional Communication is founded in current casework. All courses combine established theory with case studies and examples to provide a realistic context for participants to practise their skills.

A sample of interviewees was drawn from the professional accreditation boards, for example, the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP), allied professional bodies, industry stakeholders and potential employers. Comments from respondents were related to the PCS course and an assessment made of its relevance compared with the stated needs. It was concluded that technical professionals write extensively, often present complex data to varied audiences, and that communication skills taught in the PCS course are relevant.