Engineers applying to graduate programs usually know that it is critical to have a strong GPA and GRE score. Most top engineering programs expect candidates to have at least a 3.0 GPA and 165-166 quant and 150 verbal score on the GRE.
However, engineering programs also look to the essay and letters of recommendation to discern the personal qualities of the applicant. Programs want to know that you have the following capabilities:
1. Analytical skills
2. Ability to work well in a team setting
3. Desire to learn
4. Leadership, communication, and management skills
Let’s take a closer look at each of these qualities.
1. Analytical skills
All engineering assignments require the ability to problem solve. Even when an assignment seems to be straightforward, unexpected situations can arise and the engineer needs to analytically approach the problem. You may estimate that a work project will take 20 weeks to complete, but you are told by the client it must be accomplished in eight weeks. This means you must develop a plan that lays out every step within that eight-week timeframe and decide who will be assigned to complete which tasks. It may mean that you must be very creative in how you approach the problem, to ensure that no time is wasted and mistakes are avoided.
2. Ability to work well in a team setting
Most engineering problems are not solved by one person, but by a team or even by using a multi-team approach. In graduate school and on the job, you will be expected to work well in teams. This means having the ability to listen well to others and really hear what they are saying without prematurely judging the content. It is important to ask questions to clarify statements to ensure that you understand the intent or meaning of another’s contribution. It also means that at times you will follow the lead of others, and other times that you will take the lead. It is important that you can be a leader, but equally important that you can follow directions and follow through on details.
3. Desire to learn
Some new engineers believe they must prove they are confident and know their subject matter. Yet, often, to understand and solve the problem to which you are assigned, it is important to ask questions and acknowledge a lack of knowledge or insight. Having curiosity and the willingness to make inquiries of your peers and superiors will often yield critical information. It also shows that you have the desire to learn and that you are not afraid to ask questions. Most bosses will appreciate that quality and so will your team members.
4. Leadership, communication, and management skills
Companies hire engineers from top schools with the thought that they will become the future leaders in the organization. Good leaders know how to communicate well with their teams. They understand that communication is a two-way street and that employees need to know they can be heard, and that by participating in the process they become more invested in the outcome. Leaders know when to ask questions of others, when to listen and provide feedback, and when decisions must be made to move forward.
In large companies, projects may include multiple teams that include chemical engineers, computer scientists, electrical engineers, and mechanical engineers working in different divisions of the company. A leader must ensure that the teams are communicating with each other to ensure a quality product or process that is completed by deadline.
One of my former clients was assigned two colleagues to help him complete a project when the timeline was moved up to an earlier deadline. My client was the youngest and least experienced of the three, but he was the project lead. One colleague was known to have an attitude, and the other was not sufficiently focused because of family issues. My client had to figure out how to lead this team without exacerbating these tensions. At the start there were conflicts, leading to missed internal deadlines. With more open and honest communication, he worked through the issues and successfully delivered the work within the requested timeframe. He ended up with a promotion.
This is the kind of teamwork, leadership, savvy, and impact that graduate engineering programs are looking for.
Demonstrating Your Personal Attributes in Your Application Essays and LORs
As you write your essay(s), make sure you are telling your story in such a way that the admissions committee is informed of your personal attributes. When providing information to the individuals who will write your letters of recommendation, you might suggest they also include an assessment of your personal qualities, especially as compared with your peers and as desired by graduate engineering programs.
To highlight your desirable attributes, work one-on-one with your personal admissions coach to create application essays, resumes, and any additional material that truly reflect you at your very best. Check out our Masters Application Packages for more information on how we can help you get accepted.
With 30 years of career and admissions experience at four universities, including Cornell’s College of Engineering and Johnson Business School, Dr. Karin Ash facilitated students’ entry into the world’s best companies. As a member of the adcom she also evaluated applications; she knows what schools and employers seek. Want Karin to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Related Resources:
• Leadership in Admissions, a free guide
• “I’m Smart, Really I Am!” How to Prove Character Traits in Essays
• 4 Ways to Display Teamwork in Application Essays
The post 4 Qualities to Highlight in Your Masters in Engineering Application appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog.
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