To do well in Automotive Engineering, you will require a few skills and qualities like the following.
(a) Attention to detail
As an automotive engineer, you will need to pay attention to even the smallest detail because even that can mean life or death for people who use your machines. One less nut and bolt and it could mean a disaster for you and your company and it is up to you to make sure everything is done properly.
(b) Creative mind
In this industry, you will face problems to solve everyday and if you’re someone who can’t think creatively to solve the problems in front of you, you’re going to have to hard time. Problems will arise and you must be able to solve them even if it requires a little off-the-books thinking!
(c) Ability to adapt to a dynamic environment and staying up-to-date
If you studied automotive engineering 10 years ago, you wouldn’t have learnt about hybrid cars and how they’re engineered. Now hybrid cars are everywhere and soon, there will be newer innovations which require you to be up-to-date and adaptive. You must embrace change and be able to adapt or else you could hit a speed bump and crash!
(4) Being a team player with some management skills
Building or designing a car will require you to work in a team. Hence, regularly contributing to team meetings and updating your colleagues about the progress, developments, and any problems encountered is important. You may need to supervise other technical staff, engineers, and designers.