Skills for Prospective Civil Engineers: Mastery of Current and Future Situations

Abstract

This study aims to explore the competency mastery of prospective civil engineers based on the 3rd edition of the Civil Engineering Body of Knowledge and predict the future skills needed for prospective civil engineers in the next 10-20 years. A quantitative approach with a survey method was carried out to answer the first research objective. The questionnaire is filled out by prospective civil engineers who are final-year students of bachelor’s in civil engineering. Next, a descriptive analysis was conducted to provide an overview of the mastery of competencies. Finally, the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method was carried out to answer the second research objective. The analyzed literature uses the Scopus Database with keywords that describe future work skills and competencies. Then the articles were then filtered using the PRISMA Diagram and analyzed with the help of the R program to produce a word cloud that describes the types of future skills needed. The research results show that 1) civil engineer candidates must increase competence in the application of natural sciences, humanities aspects for Civil Engineering, mechanics and fluids problems, formulation of solutions to problems relevant to Civil Engineering, engineering economics, probability concepts, and statistics. 2) They must develop future skills needed for prospective civil engineers: critical thinking, communication, professionalism, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, collaboration, and the principle of sustainability. The findings of this study serve as evaluation material and recommendations for civil engineering education providers to prepare prospective civil engineers with a global outlook.