Listing the Essential Non-Technical Skills (NTS) for the Employability of Engineering Graduates in Bangladesh

The employability of engineering graduates is significantly influenced by their soft skills (SS) and cognitive skills (CS). Several skills that combine soft skills and cognitive skills, referred to as hybrid skills (HS), are also crucial for technical graduates. Non-technical skills (NTS) encompass soft skills, cognitive skills, and hybrid skills. Employers prioritize NTS over technical abilities throughout their careers. For sustained employment, these skills are essential success factors. While companies value technical skills during the hiring process, as engineering careers progress, employers place greater emphasis on NTS. This research aims to identify the soft skills, cognitive skills, and hybrid skills that contribute to workplace success in meeting employer expectations, spanning from early career stages to mid-career and advanced roles. Engineers are recognized for their exceptional technical skills, of which they take great pride. However, engineers must also possess a wide array of non-technical skills as they work with both people and machines in the industry. On average, most engineers share similar Intelligent Quotients (IQ). Technical skill gaps can often be filled with quick training. What distinguishes engineers from others are their non-technical skills, primarily personality traits, emotional intelligence (EQ), and advanced cognitive capabilities. Employability is determined by multiple factors, focusing here solely on its absolute dimension, which relies on the candidate’s skill sets. While possessing technical abilities is a prerequisite for employment, modern employers increasingly prioritize NTS. It is an undeniable fact that engineers' soft skills, cognitive skills, and hybrid skills significantly influence their Annual Compensation Review (ACR). This study identifies 66 distinct skills necessary for engineers, including 46 soft skills, 14 cognitive skills, and 6 hybrid skills. Hybrid skills, a new category proposed by researchers, are a blend of cognitive skills and soft skills. To effectively manage their roles, engineers require these hybrid skills. Since not all skills hold equal value at every career stage, they are categorized accordingly. Engineers require these skills throughout their careers. Educational institutions and industries can obtain a standardized set of guidelines for updating engineering curricula and training modules, respectively.