Adaptability in Engineering: Defining and Fostering a Crucial Skill Amidst AI Boom

The Growing Need for Adaptability

The rapid advancements in AI have significantly altered the engineering landscape, introducing new tools and raising expectations for team productivity. This environment makes it challenging to advise students on specific technical skills, leading to a common emphasis on adaptability. However, the practical application and definition of adaptability remain unclear in educational and professional settings.

Researching Adaptability in Practice

Samantha Brunhaver, an associate professor of engineering at Arizona State University, is conducting research to understand and foster workplace adaptability among young engineers. Her project, funded by a 2020 National Science Foundation award, involves interviewing engineering managers, early career employees, and undergraduates to gather insights into their experiences with change and uncertainty.

Defining Adaptability Across Disciplines

Brunhaver defines adaptability as "the ability to recognize that a change or uncertainty is occurring, and then respond effectively to that change." She notes that the specific manifestations of adaptability vary by engineering discipline. For software engineers, it might involve adjusting to new tools, while aerospace or biomedical engineers might focus on evolving procedures and regulations. Employers acknowledge the importance of adaptability but often define it differently.

Industry-Wide Skill Turnover

Beyond discipline-specific changes, engineers face broader shifts in required skills. Reports from PwC (June 2026) and the World Economic Forum (2025) indicate a rapid pace of skill turnover, particularly in technology, media, and telecom sectors. The World Economic Forum's report projects that 39 percent of workers' core skills will change by 2030 across all sectors. This ongoing uncertainty underscores the critical role of adaptability for career longevity.