Bridging the Gap: Why Engineers Need to Speak the Language of Their Stakeholders

CHARLOTTE: Hello and welcome to our podcast, 'Engineering Success'. I'm your host, Charlotte, and I'm thrilled to be here today discussing a fantastic opportunity for engineering students and professionals. Joining me is Brian, an expert in stakeholder communication and the course lead for our Undergraduate Certificate in Effective Stakeholder Communication in Engineering Projects. Brian, welcome to the show! BRIAN: Thanks, Charlotte. It's great to be here. CHARLOTTE: Brian, let's dive straight in. Can you tell us a bit about the course and what students can expect to gain from it? BRIAN: Absolutely. Our course is designed to equip engineering students and professionals with the essential skills to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders in engineering projects. We focus on practical applications, real-world case studies, and group projects to ensure that our students can apply their knowledge in real-life situations. CHARLOTTE: That sounds fantastic. I know that effective communication is crucial in any project, but especially in engineering where you're often working with multiple stakeholders, including clients, team members, and even the general public. How do you think this course can benefit students in their future careers? BRIAN: By mastering stakeholder communication, our students will enhance their employability and career prospects in engineering project management, consulting, and leadership roles. In fact, many of our past students have gone on to secure top roles in their chosen fields, and they attribute their success to the skills they gained from our course. CHARLOTTE: That's impressive. Can you give us an example of how students apply the skills they learn in the course to real-world projects? BRIAN: One of the unique features of our course is that students develop a tailored communication plan for their own engineering project. This could be a project they're currently working on or one they're planning to undertake in the future. We've had students work on projects ranging from sustainable infrastructure development to innovative product design, and they've all reported that the communication plan they developed has been invaluable in helping them navigate the complex stakeholder landscape. CHARLOTTE: I can imagine. It's one thing to learn about stakeholder communication in theory, but it's entirely different to apply it in practice. What kind of support can students expect from the course tutors and industry experts? BRIAN: Our course is taught by a team of experienced academics and industry experts who are passionate about stakeholder communication. We provide regular feedback and support to our students, and we also offer a range of resources and tools to help them succeed. Plus, our industry connections mean that our students get to learn from the best in the business. CHARLOTTE: That's great to hear. Finally, what advice would you give to students who are considering enrolling in the course? BRIAN: I would say that if you're serious about succeeding in the engineering industry, then this course is a must. The skills you'll gain will set you