Acoustics and the Engineering Team

This paper shares some insights into how the role of engineers in general, and acoustical engineers in particular, is changing. The paper covers the changing nature of engineering work, the influences of globalisation and technological change on the way we work and the role of innovation and collaboration. While the number of professional engineers in Australia has increased over the last 10 years, fewer and fewer work in traditional fields. Major shifts in the world economy and technological change has meant more and more engineering services can be supplied from anywhere in the world. This has a much greater impact on less complex engineering services than on high value, creative engineering. It is important therefore for graduates to think about the skills needed to be a ‘great engineer’ in this environment. Attributes like creativity, project management skills, communication skills and experience in working with diverse groups will become increasingly important.