Comparison of first-year student conceptions of their future roles as engineers between Belgium, Ireland, and The Netherlands

Recent research by KU Leuven showed that 33% of the engineering graduates in Flanders changed jobs first year, with 60% those citing job content as a reason. Also, industry often reports recent graduate hires lack right skills for job. It appears students seem to enter labour market less prepared both perception and skill level. This study investigates perceptions first-year on their future role competencies they need developing an model business Tracey Wiersema. The premise PREFER-model is most vacancies junior engineers fall into one three roles: Product Leadership (i.e., focus radical innovation), Operational Excellence process optimization), Customer Intimacy client-tailored solutions). A survey was administered from largest degrees Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands. total 197 Belgium (KU – Engineering Technology), 89 Ireland (TU Dublin Engineering), 372 Netherlands Delft Aerospace Engineering) participated. In this survey, were also asked express preference fictional reflecting different roles. results do not have clear view idealized profession centred around role. Students found overestimate level preparedness when it comes mastery competencies. suggested having discerning professional roles well instruments allow assess alignment associated will help mitigate these issues.