In recognition of National Engineers Week, DE has posed questions to our engineering staff about their profession and the impact, lessons learned, and personal fulfillment it entails.

Today's Q&A features David LeBreton, Jr., P.E., PTOE who began his engineering career at DE ten years ago and serves as a Senior Project Manager for transportation projects.

Q: How has your actual work experience in the engineering professional differed from your formal engineering education?

A: I believe an important skill that is left out in formal education and used daily within my actual work in the engineering profession is the ability to effectively communicate. During formal education you are pushed through the daily grind of problem solving without even questioning how this information needs to be relayed in the real world to help others.

An effective engineer must have the ability to problem solve while being able to communicate solutions to colleagues, clients, and the general public. If we cannot get this communication through, then we have not solved the problem in their minds.