Final answer:
Hard skills are technical knowledge and expertise needed for specific job functions, crucial in fields like engineering. Continual skill development is vital, and transferable skills are also beneficial in diverse roles. Engineers require both technical and soft skills for success.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hard skills refer to the technical expertise and knowledge required to do a particular task or job function, such as specialized knowledge of math and science, familiarity with technology, and other job-specific skills. To remain competitive, it's crucial to invest time in honing job-specific skills and to keep abreast of changes within your role, your company, and your industry. This could involve activities like attending conferences, joining associations, and participating in webinars. Additionally, transferable skills are sought after by employers, as they contribute to various tasks and can be utilized across different settings and roles.
For engineers, in particular, hard skills can range from highly technical competencies like the ability to use specific software or instruments, to advanced math and science proficiency, as well as education in specialized areas of engineering. Nevertheless, soft skills such as creativity, decision making, and the ability to manage and work within a team are equally important for engineering roles.