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Graduate engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

Jimmy Bricker Ph.D.,

Dr. Peter Livingston Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical graduate engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for graduate engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.5% of graduate engineer resumes contained civil 3d as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a graduate engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 graduate engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Civil 3D

Civil 3D is computer software that allows architects and engineers to plan and design structural engineering projects. An architectural design crafted through civil 3D software is also supported by Computer-Aided Designs (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM). The software makes it easy for architects and engineers to correct any potential flaws and make changes in the structural design of a building quickly and efficiently.

Here's how graduate engineers use civil 3d:

Planned, designed and prepared sets of grading and drainage plans using civil 3D.
Designed detention ponds and amenity lakes for two subdivisions using AutoCAD Civil 3D.

2. Cost Estimates

Here's how graduate engineers use cost estimates:

Developed site layouts and grading plans using AutoCAD software * Calculated material quantity requirements and cost estimates for projects
Examined project scope documents to create cost estimates and utilized estimation software to finalize figures.

3. Project Management

Here's how graduate engineers use project management:

Attended Quality School program in South Carolina learning about Quality Systems and Project Management basics.
Performed technical design and project management.

4. GIS

A geographic information system (GIS) is a tool for capturing, storing, manipulating, analyzing, managing and presenting various forms of geographic data.

Here's how graduate engineers use gis:

Utilized GIS to identify existing underground utilities and determine system inefficiencies.
Collected transportation-related features using GIS Software to produce various Maps and Graphics.

5. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how graduate engineers use c++:

Designed and implemented production information systems using C++ for CNC-machines.
Streamlined VERILOG design verification significantly through modifying and executing C++ firmware routines.

6. Calculation

Here's how graduate engineers use calculation:

Prepared spreadsheets in Microsoft excel for basic engineering calculations.
Performed the quantity calculations and analysis.

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7. Data Analysis

Here's how graduate engineers use data analysis:

Performed sales data analysis for multiple states using SAP, by maintaining a master data file.
Performed data analysis using statistical tools using Minitab to enable decision making in fixing hoist prices.

8. Design Calculations

Here's how graduate engineers use design calculations:

Review of design calculations, contract documents, specifications, supplements and drawings to ensure compliance with current COH Design Standards.
Provided design calculations for reinforced concrete structures and foundations according to IS codes.

9. Product Development

Product development is the complete procedure of creating a product from concept until release of the final product. Product development has many stages after which a product is released into the market. Identifying the need, creating the opportunity, conceptualizing a product, and providing a solution, all are different stages of product development.

Here's how graduate engineers use product development:

Improved work-order management by identifying and eliminating redundant manufacturing related issues in the product development process.
Designed & implemented a pathway of New Product Development by using tools- Advanced Product Quality Planning and Production Part Approval Process.

10. R

R is a free software environment and a language used by programmers for statistical computing. The R programming language is famously used for data analysis by data scientists.

Here's how graduate engineers use r:

Applied statistical methods to manufacturing disciplines including X-bar and R charts, process capability studies and problem identification/solving activities.
Researched and developed a non-linear curve-fitting method to accelerate ATP testing of T/R modules.

11. Technical Support

Technical support or tech support are the services provided by any hardware or software company to users. They help in solving the technical difficulties the customers face with their products or services. Moreover, the tech support employees maintain, manage, and repair the IT faults. They are also responsible for resolving the network problems, installing and configuring hardware and software.

Here's how graduate engineers use technical support:

Assisted in technical support team for production optimization.
Assisted our other offices with technical support on Civil (Municipal), Land Development and Traffic projects.

12. Windows

Windows is a chain of operating systems that controls a computer and is developed by Microsoft. Every version of Windows consists of GUI (graphical user interface), with a desktop that allows the user to open their files.

Here's how graduate engineers use windows:

Provided IT Infrastructure support to Windows systems and internally developed applications.
Provided DOS and Windows personal computer support including other office equipment.

13. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how graduate engineers use java:

Gained technical acumen in Java programming aspects.
Trained in various technologies like COBOL, Shell Scripting, Java, Mainframes and several other computer languages.

14. Auto CAD

Here's how graduate engineers use auto cad:

Prepared AUTO CAD cross sections of Dam and Bill of Quantities for the work completed.
Design of layout of Foundry plant on Auto CAD.

15. SQL

Here's how graduate engineers use sql:

Automated site water report using Microsoft SQL Server 2012 to improve accuracy and water management.
Implemented Functions, Triggers and Store Procedures using SQL.

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What skills help Graduate Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on graduate engineer resumes?

Jimmy Bricker Ph.D.

Instructor, Cameron University

Using technology to the extent that the student has had the exposure is an eye catcher. The technology attached to drones covers most all of the agriculture fields from crops to livestock. Obviously, using data on a computer and applying it to a management decision demonstrates applied knowledge. Showing that you have some investigative experience by asking how it is that we are doing this, how are we using this, and how can it be done better indicates critical thinking. Whatever experience you are able to participate in at school, try to think about how it can be described in a resume to fit a skill. Students do a lot of neat things during their university years that are surely just part of the university experience, but they can also be resume bullets if thought of from a learning standpoint.

What soft skills should all graduate engineers possess?

Dr. Peter Livingston Ph.D.

Department Head, California Polytechnic State University

-Leadership, see above

-Writing. Our student's career at Cal Poly culminates in the production of an exceedingly high-quality Capstone design report.

What hard/technical skills are most important for graduate engineers?

Dr. Peter Livingston Ph.D.

Department Head, California Polytechnic State University

-Irrigation and canal system design and management skills

-Machinery design and fabrication
i. Solid works
ii. Machine shop and welding
iii. Servo hydraulic power and control systems (Danfoss Plus 1 programing)

What graduate engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Peter Rosado

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Georgia College and State University

I tell students to call their "gap" year more of a "Developmental" year. If a graduate desires to have such a year, they should focus on their whole as a goal, which means not only developing their professionalism but have other experiences. For example, travel to another country, learn a new language, intern at a company outside of the US, get involved further in the field of study. What stands out in candidates is how they made use of their time, skills that they acquired, and how they could weave them into the position they are applying for. That the candidate has had experiences outside of their comfort zone tells me, as an employer, that they are flexible and can adapt to situations that are new and unpredictable.

What type of skills will young graduate engineers need?

Dr. Joshua Adams

Associate Professor and Forestry Program Chair, Louisiana Tech University

In the forestry workplace, an essential requirement for the crew is having graduated from a SAF accredited school, which is required for many state licenses. We see them from a skill level; the ability to do hands-on fieldwork is of prime importance.

Do you want to know more?

List of graduate engineer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a graduate engineer resume and required skills for a graduate engineer to have include:

Civil 3D
Cost Estimates
Project Management
GIS
C++
Calculation
Data Analysis
Design Calculations
Product Development
R
Technical Support
Windows
Java
Auto CAD
SQL
Geotechnical

API
Sigma
Mechatronics
Object Oriented Programming
Linux
PLC
FMEA
Structural Analysis
MATLAB
Control Systems
DCS
Assembly Line
Engineering Reports
JavaScript
HVAC
Logistics

Jenkins
HTML
Product Quality
Kaizen
SPC
Shop Floor
Conveyance
UK
Process Control
BOM
CNC
FEA
Management System
Aided Design
ISO
Ansys

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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