Section VI. Interpersonal and Communication Skills

A chemical engineer is very much a member of a tiny technical elite of modern society. In the United States, less than 1% of the population is trained in engineering and sciences. Chemical engineers account for only 0.05% of the population, and yet they design and manage the plants that produce such essential goods as pharmaceuticals, plastics, paper, fertilizers and pesticides, fuels, synthetic fabrics, and clean water. Chemical engineers use jargon and perform calculations that are, at best, mysterious to most people. Their success depends not only on performing the calculations correctly but also on convincing the public that they can add value to the quality of life. In addition, to communicate clearly with the public as a whole, chemi....