This document discusses the skills needed for 21st century engineers. It notes that employers look for both technical engineering skills as well as soft skills like teamwork, communication, leadership, and ethics. Several engineering managers are quoted saying that soft skills are as important as technical abilities. The document also presents a case study of an engineer who found the real world required more soft skills than his education prepared him for. It outlines the changing roles of engineers over time and future challenges that will require innovative solutions.