[ Generic ]

My alma mater, the University of Alberta, recently stated proudly that they have “started to reimagine its undergraduate programs to better prepare the next generation of engineers”.

They are “modernizing our curriculum … rebalancing workloads to support deeper learning and sharpening our emphasis on in-demand professional skills, such as effective communication, project management and decision making”.

This not uncommon curriculum change has me a little nervous.

I continue to hold the stance that engineers should desire, and demonstrate, technical skills first and foremost. We should seek deep technical knowledge. And the other generic work skills, yes, can and should follow.