Question of the Month: What University Courses Will Best Prepare Students for the Future?

Next Gen Productivity tools will include AI models. Better know how to ask AI correctly to get an appropriate answer, and to see when AI is misleading you.

I voted for "research skills". It will happen that somebody will ask you something that you don't know. Knowing how to research and properly evaluate information is key to successfully solve problems you don't know the answer to.

great point. I had interpreted the term "research skills" totally differently, more like Frankenstein Ph.D. conducting experiments :-) 

I picked other from the list The skill is problem solving.

I recall my college lab instructor delivering a lecture on what he called the half-split method for trouble-shooting no audio out of an AM/FM radio. I've used that lecture as the basis for junior high computer club problem solving steps students need to follow, before they say to me it doesn't work.

I've had trained teachers provide positive comments when they have witnessed the interaction.  "Tell me what you have done that leads you to the conclusion it doesn't work? And what is your definition of doesn't work."

I worked for an Engineering team that constantly (it seemed) faced the challenge of "what to do, when you have no idea what to do." I have had the opportunity to work with some great problem solvers! I didn't realize their ability at the time but later on reflection understand WOW. I'm not sure if it can be taught but I'm always trying.

I had a great course in static mechanics that taught the fundamental methods of breaking a problem down into smaller and smaller problems until the solution became obvious. It really works and avoids getting stuck.

I agree that problem solving is one of the most essential skills in any area of science and engineering. I count this as part of "research skills" as the ability to divide a problem into questions to be answered and then designing experiments to answer those questions ultimately synthesizing those answers into a solution for the problem (which can be something presented as in "this doesn't work" or imagined as in "how can I create a product that...").

A bunch of responses to this question seem to have disappeared. I had mentioned a course on teamwork, mentoring and networking. Universities could create forums where students could practice, and be monitored and evaluated. Then they could graduate to hang out on element14...

Well, I also like that kind of research 

As did I.

I often referred to my career as "Every Day is Finals Week!"

We always had to quickly gather information on a new topic and be prepared to have suggestions ready for possible solutions.

While the choices provided are undoubtedly important for preparing students in electrical & electronics engineering, it's also crucial to recognize the significance of communication and interpersonal skills in their professional development.  By emphasizing the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and interpersonal relationships, universities can better prepare students to navigate the complexities of the engineering profession and thrive in their future careers.