South Africa urgently needs more engineers to help solve critical challenges in water, energy, transport, housing and municipal infrastructure. Yet, while thousands of engineering students graduate from tertiary institutions every year, many struggle to secure that crucial first opportunity in the profession.

According to Statistics South Africa, youth unemployment remains above 45%, leaving many qualified graduates searching for practical experience and a pathway into industry.

But according to one of South Africa's most accomplished young engineers, technical qualifications alone are no longer enough.

As the engineering profession evolves alongside rapid technological advances, changing workplace expectations and increasingly complex infrastructure projects, the qualities that define successful engineers are also changing.

Tinashe Mukalela, a qualified civil engineer who works as a project manager for AvenirHoldings, a proudly South African engineering firm, is a clear demonstration that opportunities for successful careers in SA’s engineering industry do exist.

As a young award-winning engineer, Tinashe is the recipient of two of the industry’s prestigious awards and holds the titles of CESA Young Engineer of the Year 2025 and SAICE PMCD Young Constructor of the Year 2024. 

Mukalela believes that we must reimagine leadership in the built environment, particularly in the age of Gen Z and mental well-being.  “Engineering leadership is entering a new era where technical expertise must be complemented by strong people skills, resilience, change management and the ability to lead diverse, multidisciplinary teams,” he says.

Tinashe Mukalela's Top 10 tips for young engineers:

1.      Work towards professional registration.

Professional registration demonstrates competence, credibility and commitment to excellence. It also creates greater career opportunities and long-term professional recognition.

2.      Build your professional network.

Become involved in organisations such as ECSA, CESA and SAICE, attend industry events and connect with professionals who can challenge, support and inspire your career journey.

3.      Find mentors and learn from experienced professionals.

A mentor can help you avoid common mistakes, broaden your perspective and accelerate your professional growth. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance.

4.      Embrace change and new technology.

Engineering is evolving rapidly through digital technologies, artificial intelligence, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and smarter infrastructure solutions. Engineers who adapt to change will remain relevant.

5.      Stay resilient and keep showing up.

Career setbacks, rejected applications and disappointments are part of many successful careers. Resilience, perseverance and a positive attitude often become the difference between those who succeed and those who give up too soon.

6.      Look beyond technical skills.

Employers increasingly look for engineers who can think strategically, manage stakeholders, collaborate across disciplines and contribute to business success - not just deliver technical solutions.

7.      Build your emotional intelligence.

The ability to listen, communicate, manage conflict and build trust is becoming one of the most valuable skills in engineering. Great engineers know how to work with people as well as projects.

8.      Develop leadership skills early.

Engineering is about more than technical excellence. Learn how to communicate effectively, solve problems, influence others and inspire teams. Future engineering leaders combine technical expertise with strong leadership skills.

9.      Never stop learning.

Graduation is only the beginning. Continue developing your technical expertise, leadership capability and business understanding throughout your career. The most successful engineers never stop learning.

10.  Build people as well as infrastructure.

Engineering is ultimately about improving lives. Invest in mentoring others, sharing knowledge and helping build the next generation of engineers. The greatest legacy an engineer can leave is not only the infrastructure they build, but the people they inspire.

"The engineering profession is evolving rapidly. While technical competence remains the foundation of a successful career, today's engineers must also develop leadership capability, emotional intelligence, adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning. Those who invest in both their technical and people skills will be best positioned to lead the infrastructure projects that will shape South Africa's future," says Mukalela.

For unemployed graduates, the message is one of hope:

Although entering the profession may be challenging, graduates should not allow today's job market to define tomorrow's career.

Remaining visible within the industry, pursuing mentorship, building professional networks, embracing lifelong learning and continually developing leadership capability can create opportunities over time.

As South Africa continues investing in infrastructure and sustainable development, the engineering profession will require a new generation of technically competent, emotionally intelligent and purpose-driven leaders. Mukalela believes that those who continue investing in themselves today will be well positioned to become the engineering leaders of tomorrow.