By Abubakar Yunusa
A senior academic at the University of Abuja has called on young engineers to become more proactive and intentional in their careers by stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing leadership and personal development.
Engr Dr Yetunde Aladeitan, an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering, made the call while addressing members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Abuja branch during their June 2025 General Meeting.
Her keynote address, titled “Volunteer, Elevate, Thrive: Career Development Beyond Membership”, encouraged engineers to do more than just belong to professional bodies, but to actively use such platforms for growth and impact.
“Engineers need to be more deliberate. It’s not enough to just attend meetings and warm the chair,” she said. “You must make a difference in your field and in the lives of others.”
Dr Aladeitan emphasised the importance of developing soft skills, including communication, teamwork, and leadership — areas she noted are rarely taught in traditional academic settings.
“These skills are critical in today’s workforce,” she added. “Your ability to network and engage meaningfully will set you apart.”
She also urged students and recent graduates to continuously upgrade their technical skills, especially in emerging areas like artificial intelligence (AI), noting that AI has already boosted engineering efficiency by over 100%.
“Engineers must take advantage of AI and digital tools to stay competitive and relevant,” she advised.
Using her own field of chemical engineering as an example, she encouraged graduates to pursue additional certifications to enhance their employability and reduce the need for further company-led training.
Dr Aladeitan concluded by urging young engineers not to “just exist” but to commit to making meaningful contributions that would benefit future generations.
