Empowering Engineers: IEB Seminar Focuses on Soft Skills and Career Development

A training-based seminar titled “Empowering Young Engineers: Soft Skills and Career Development” was held to support the professional growth and personality development of young engineers. The event took place on Friday, 8 November, at the headquarters of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Ramna, Dhaka. It was organized by the Women Engineers Chapter of IEB.

The seminar provided practical guidance and insights on essential workplace soft skills, including effective communication, leadership, confidence-building, professional etiquette, and career planning.

The training session was conducted by Engr. Shahnaz Sharmin, Chairman of the Women Engineers Chapter, and Engr. Israt Jahan, Secretary. Through interactive discussions and real-life examples, they guided participants in strengthening their confidence and readiness for professional environments.

The Chief Guest at the seminar was Engr. Mohammad Riazul Islam (Riju), President of IEB and Chairman of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK). He emphasized, “There is no such thing as ‘non-technical’ for engineers. Whatever responsibility an engineer is given, they must perform with competence and success. To lead, one must be skilled in communication, responsibility, and time management.”

Special Guest Professor Dr. Engr. Md. Sabbir Mostafa Khan, Honorary General Secretary of IEB, stated, “IEB typically organizes technical seminars. However, this unique initiative on soft skills and career development will inspire young engineers to build both humanistic and professional strengths in their careers.”

Another Special Guest, Engr. A. T. M. Tanvir Ul Hasan Tomal, Vice President of IEB, remarked, “Sincerity and dedication make it easier to achieve goals in the workplace. Such seminars provide essential guidance for young engineers.”

Guest of Honor Mrs. Muslima Khandaker observed, “To succeed in the global engineering field, skills in presentation, leadership, professional behavior, and time management are indispensable. Young engineers should begin developing these skills now.”

The keynote speaker, Engr. Fazilatunnesa, Chief Engineer of Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC), discussed the importance and practical application of soft skills, offering pragmatic career development advice.

The seminar was attended by several IEB members, including Engr. Shamim Ara Begum, Engr. Niaz Uddin Bhuiyan, Engr. Sheikh Al Amin, Engr. Khan Manzur Morshed, Engr. Dilruba Farzana, and Engr. Rabeya Begum, among others.

According to the organizing committee, participants gained meaningful guidance on personality development, confidence building, and achieving success in their professional careers.

The seminar was presided over by Engr. Shahnaz Sharmin, Chairman of the Women Engineers Chapter, and moderated by Engr. Israt Jahan.