Communication is an essential part of business. Students in a business degree program take courses in communication to gain skills they will need to succeed in their careers. For managers tasked with leading projects or overseeing teams of people, communication becomes even more important, with effective communication skills considered a must-have. The online Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program at Arkansas State University offers communication courses that prepare managers for success in the technical arena.
The online MEM program’s engineering marketing courses cover communication skills. Marketing communications play a significant role in business operations, and the program offers a separate course on the subject, which covers traditional and modern marketing techniques as well as marketing plan development.
Engineers and Engineering Managers Need Communication Skills
Work doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Engineers have to communicate on a daily basis — with each other, with supervisors, with people in different departments, and even with clients. Their work is complex and technical, but not everyone they work with has the same technical expertise, which makes it even more important for them to have good communication skills. Effective communication in engineering is critical to ensuring that all project participants are on the same page.
When it comes to demonstrating good communication skills, managers and others in leadership positions face a high bar. Nearly every part of a manager’s job involves communication. Engineering managers communicate with clients and their own supervisors about new projects. They also relay project parameters and deadlines to their reports, while providing updates to their managers and clients. Good managers invest significant amounts of time in setting their engineers up for success. Moreover, regular communication builds trust and makes it easier for all team members to do their jobs well.
For engineers to be successful over the course of their careers, communication skills are just as important as technical knowledge. This is certainly the case in engineering firms, where collaboration is key. One of the best ways for engineering managers to bring value to their companies and help their own careers is by learning and practicing good communication skills.
Integrated Marketing Communications in Engineering
Marketing forms the main communication channel between businesses and potential customers. Effective marketing is relevant and consistent. When a business presents itself consistently across different marketing channels, it builds brand identity. Traditional channels include TV and print advertising, while social media and website advertising are two of the newer ones.
Like most modern companies, engineering firms rely on many different types of marketing to reach customers. They use an integrated marketing strategy to ensure that all marketing communications are cohesive and customer-focused.
In the MEM program’s foundational course Integrated Marketing Communications, students learn how to develop comprehensive marketing plans. The course also covers the effective use of current marketing strategies and tools in marketing campaigns. The knowledge gained in this course prepares MEM students for the marketing communications challenges they are likely to face in their careers.
Although engineering is viewed as a technical field, communication in engineering is vital to succeeding as an engineer. Marketing holds an especially important place in business communications. The online MEM program equips students with the foundational skills in communications and marketing required of the leaders they aspire to be.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s Master of Engineering Management online program.
Sources:
LinkedIn: Communication Is Key to Software Engineering
ASME: Master the Art of Technical Communication
Monster: What Attributes Make a Good Engineering Manager?
Forbes: Effective Managers Earn Trust Quickly By Doing 5 Things Well
Portent: It’s Raining Marketing: The Importance of Integrated Marketing Communications