This study contributes to the current research in career and professional identity development that it developed a validated competency-based framework enhance self-awareness of future engineers. Through mixed-method design, key competencies were identified for three roles early Ninety-six engineers HR experts from different fields involved. resulted portraits practice (engineers role focusing on radical innovation, process optimisation and/or customised solutions) what requires be...

It is recognised that engineers end up in a wide variety of engineering positions and the importance professional competencies might vary accordingly. However, most studies regarding competencies, employability or career guidance fail to address this roles. This systematic literature review aims identify roles for early explores defining attributes. Twenty-four publications were selected inclusion by screening appraising results obtained from three databases. Three frameworks fulfilled...

Diversity in engineering, and STEM general, is essential to address societal challenges, yet women individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds remain underrepresented. Belonging has shown promise for recruiting retaining these groups, prompting further exploration. This review investigates the impact of (anticipated) belonging on pursuit persistence engineering education among underrepresented groups. Through a systematic literature review, 480 articles Scopus database were screened, with...

Although there is high degree of agreement on the importance transversal skills for engineers, employers observe a significant gap between expectations and reality. This paper discusses need development framework professional roles future engineers implementation dedicated education in engineering curricula to train students this role. Based an extensive literature study, overview given previous research topic. The also outlines next steps that will be taken by authors as part European...

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and labour markets, imperative for lifelong learning (LLL) professional engineers has become evident. The need interventions to equip higher education students with LLL competencies is crucial their sustainable careers. This systematic review explores in aiming develop students' translates findings engineering education. Conducted as a review, studies were included if they targeted students, addressed competencies, measured intervention...

Professional competencies vary across engineering job characteristics. The design of the educational environment should take into account this diversity and enable students to develop career awareness. European project PREFER (Professional Roles Employability for Future EngineeRs) has developed instruments make aware existence professional roles their associated competency profiles. These are designed validated in strong interaction with industry, guaranteeing a discipline-independent,...

This paper explores the possibilities to develop students’ lifelong learning (LLL) competencies via supporting their personal development process (PDP) in engineering education. Despite recognized importance of LLL, its embedment outcomes remains limited. A survey revealed that both students and educators value LLL competencies, but perceive them be taught evaluated only a limited extent. introduces PDP model support fostering competencies. The model, developed through literature review...

The shortage of engineering talent leads to a loss in economic output. This shortagecombat has be fought on several fronts, one them is attracting and retaining more currently underrepresented students. paper discusses the need improve sense belonging increase professional awareness, or understanding different roles an engineer can take on, order diversity engineering. Based extensive literature review overview given previous research this topic from interdisciplinary perspective. Research...

This paper reports on the development and evaluation of a 23 item Situational Judgement Test (SJT) with scenarios tailored to engineering profession. The SJT was developed around PREFER model, support professional engineers academics in 11 panel discussions. In total 53 professionals were consulted during both stems responses SJT. Subsequently, rolled out 334 final year masters students enrolled programmes at TU Dublin KU Leuven respectively. After taking part test, sent automated their...

Recent research by KU Leuven showed that 33% of the engineering graduates in Flanders changed jobs first year, with 60% those citing job content as a reason. Also, industry often reports recent graduate hires lack right skills for job. It appears students seem to enter labour market less prepared both perception and skill level. This study investigates perceptions first-year on their future role competencies they need developing an model business Tracey Wiersema. The premise PREFER-model is...

Whilst engineering education has primarily focused on providing students with the required technical competencies, new visions emphasise importance of lifelong learning (LLL). They point towards need to acquire necessary competencies for LLL during study programme. This requires a shift in mindset both lecturers and students. Other studies have provided some key recommendations how HEIs should integrate development programmes such as using authentic discipline-specific contexts explicit...

Scientists and engineers end up in a wide variety of professional positions. Research emphasises the need for supporting students to explore broader work field enhance role awareness. Within European PREFER project roles model has been developed implemented education thanks associated ready-to-implement tools. But what about scientists?

As the demands of industry are evolving and new generations students entering universities, many engineering faculties invest time in curriculum reforms based on inspirational innovations, underpinned by education research. The Faculty Engineering Technology (FET) KU Leuven had an additional argument to implement a huge programme reform: this faculty, hosting more than 6000 spread across seven campuses Flanders (Belgium), was amalgam different traditions visions. Their merger into one...