What are employers looking for in an engineering graduate?

We spoke with Martin Dare, Director, Solution Partners Organisation, Hewlett Packard Australia

Describe the type of engineering graduate you look to recruit for your organisation.

One who has demonstrated a grasp of the theoretical knowledge and frameworks of their chosen discipline (as evidenced by their results, feedback from their referees and in the interview discussion). Also the capacity to apply these frameworks in practical applications. Lastly, the graduate must demonstrate an outcome orientation.

What are the generic attributes you require in an employee and why are these important in the workplace?

• Domain knowledge (at least at the theoretical level)
• Ability to rapidly absorb and process new information
• Ability to turn knowledge into practical application
• Understanding of the importance of measuring results and establishing feedback loops
• Grasp of commercial imperatives behind customer satisfaction and employees' understanding of their role in the company's value chain

The perspectives above will greatly assist a new employee process and assimilate the new working environment and provide a meaningful context for the activities of their role. Without this the new employee's ability to contribute will be severely hampered.

"Graduates that tend to be successful normally have a sound grasp of the importance of customers."

What do you look for when you are interviewing an engineering graduate for a position?

• Listening skills
• Track record
• Articulate
• Flexible – in terms of thinking and in interacting during the interview
• External orientation – rather than focused on self

What advice would you give to undergraduate students who are looking to become more employable by the time they graduate?

See above – also a working knowledge of a company environment, either from personal experience (ie: summer jobs) or from talking with others – this will help the graduate form valid expectations of their immediate opportunity.

Do you have any other insights from an employer's perspective?

Graduates that tend to be successful normally have a sound grasp of the importance of customers. They also have an understanding about how all the various parts of an organisation contribute to satisfying the customers' requirements and at the same time needing to balance the interests of the shareholders, financial, legal and government institutions.