The automotive industry is undergoing a paradigm shift, with the convergence of electric, connected and autonomous technologies reshaping vehicle design and manufacturing. This transformation is also changing how employers recruit talent, spurring them to favour candidates who have a multi-disciplinary mindset and can adapt to rapidly changing tech.
Enter the concept of a ‘T-shaped’ engineer – a candidate who possesses both a significant understanding of their own field, as well as a broad range of cross-discipline capabilities. A CompTIA Workforce survey found 84% of respondents indicated that they use this ‘T-shaped skills’ model in some capacity to guide talent management. But what exactly is the T-shaped skills model – and how does it apply to automotive engineering?
What Are T-Shaped Skills?
The concept of ‘T-shaped skills’ was first coined by David Guest in a 1991 interview – but they’ve only become more and more relevant each year since. Essentially, T-shaped skills represent a combination of deep expertise in a specific area, combined with broad knowledge across various other disciplines. The vertical bar of the ‘T’ conceptually represents your specific technical expertise, while the horizontal bar encompasses your soft skills and broader knowledge.
This blend of specialist and generalist knowledge is particularly attractive to employers searching for top engineering talent for EV jobs and connected car jobs. As a T-shaped engineer, your ability to understand and connect different fields enables you to devise comprehensive solutions that might be overlooked by engineers with a narrower focus. This sentiment is echoed by Jim Spohrer, director of global university programs at IBM: “Projects teams at IBM often span multiple disciplines, sectors, and cultures, and so we need T-shaped graduates who can work well together to co-create solutions for a smarter planet.”
T-Shaped Skills in Automotive Engineering
Now that we’ve outlined the concept of t-shaped skills, let's explore how they apply specifically to automotive engineering. We’ve put together a quick list of skills that could fall under these categories:
Vertical Bar (Deep Expertise)
Powertrain engineering
Vehicle dynamics
Electrical systems
Software engineering
Materials science
Horizontal Bar (Broad Knowledge & Soft Skills)
Project management
Data analytics
Human-centred design
Communication
Cultural competence
Skills across these areas are undeniably advantageous for all engineers working in EV jobs or connected car jobs. Let’s take the example of a professional skilled in powertrain engineering and vehicle dynamics who is also broadly across sustainability practices. Their deep technical expertise would allow them to optimise vehicle performance and efficiency, while their focus on sustainability drives the development of eco-friendly powertrain solutions. This blend of skills enables them to create innovative, high-performance vehicles that address both technical and environmental challenges, showcasing the strength of a T-shaped engineer.
Becoming a T-Shaped Engineer
Thriving as a T-shaped engineer means investment in both specialised and broad, soft skills. According to CompTIA’s workforce survey, maintaining this ‘T-shaped’ balance requires continuous learning. ‘To sustain both axes of the “T,” employees need to stay up to date on the technical skills that are central to their core function, but they also need to develop broader capabilities, including creativity, collaboration, and communication skills,’ they report.
Here are a few tips on how you can start building and refining your T-shaped skillset to stay ahead as an automotive engineer:
Pursue interdisciplinary growth: Consider engaging in courses and general learning outside your main discipline – such as leadership training, pursuing a new certification or attending a sustainability conference. The beauty of the ‘T-shaped’ model is that any and all new skills can be of great use!
Develop soft skills: Communication, creativity, leadership and problem-solving are just a few of the many key soft skills of a T-shaped automotive engineer. Pursue opportunities that allow you to develop these skills, and constantly reflect on how you can improve them.
Contribute to cross-functional projects: Look for opportunities, both within your organisation and through volunteer work, to participate in projects that involve collaboration across different departments. Engage with colleagues who have different skill sets than your own and ask them questions. This exposure will help you gain a broader understanding beyond your domain.
Remain curious: Regularly reading industry publications and attending relevant conferences are great for staying informed about emerging technologies and trends across the automotive sector. However, don’t forget to engage with your other interests too! Being T-shaped is all about maintaining a depth and breadth of cross-discipline knowledge, and in the end, this all stems from being a curious, motivated person.
Connect with Us for New Career Opportunities
As the automotive industry evolves, with new technologies and complex challenges emerging each day, the value of having T-shaped skills has never been clearer. By combining your technical expertise with broad, cross-disciplinary knowledge, you can become the versatile and innovative engineer that is most sought after by employers in the industry.
If you're looking to advance your career or explore new opportunities in connected car jobs in the UK or Europe, Fields & Rudd are here to assist you. Contact us today to take the next step and use your T-shaped skills for success!