In this article, CGI Partner Priyanka Guleria shares the valuable soft skills that have shaped her successful career as a SCADA engineer at CGI. Hear how her experiences reflect the importance of these skills in driving growth and alignment with CGI's culture and values.

December 2024

As a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) Engineer, I can confidently say that my journey in this field has taught me just as much about interpersonal skills as it has about technology. While my academic background—holding a Master's in Software Systems and Engineering Management—prepared me for the technical challenges of the SCADA world, my real growth happened when I started developing the often-overlooked soft skills that truly make a difference in the workplace.

A year and a half ago, I transitioned from telecommunications, where I worked as an IT Support Engineer, to the utility sector as a SCADA Engineer. It wasn’t just a career move; it was a new chapter in my professional life that brought an entirely new set of challenges—and opportunities to grow.

In SCADA, our work is crucial for the smooth operation of essential services like electricity, gas, and water. We manage complex systems, hardware, protocols, and data flow. But what I quickly realized is that SCADA is not just about technology. The power of soft skills—communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability—has a profound impact on how well you perform in this role. And trust me, these are the skills that often make or break a project.

A Journey of Growth: Embracing Soft Skills

Transitioning into SCADA was an eye-opener. I quickly realised that while knowing the ins and outs of Remote Telemetry Units (RTUs), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) was essential, it wasn’t the entire story. I learned that my ability to communicate clearly with my team, problem-solve on the fly, and adapt to new situations would shape my success far more than any technical manual could.

Whether I was troubleshooting in the field, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, or explaining complex technical concepts to clients, I found that soft skills were often the key to overcoming the toughest challenges.

The Role of Soft Skills in SCADA Engineering

1. Communication

In SCADA, you deal with critical infrastructure that affects millions of people, so clear, concise communication is the key. Engineers must be able to explain complex technical details to stakeholders who may not be familiar with the systems. Whether it's explaining how the SCADA System works to an operator or discussing security protocols with senior management, how you convey information can determine the success of a project.

2. Problem-Solving

SCADA issues are rarely straightforward. Whether a valve isn't opening correctly, a data stream has been interrupted, or there’s a compatibility issue with hardware, engineers must think critically and solve problems creatively. These problem-solving skills are refined through experience and aren’t something you’ll learn in textbooks. The ability to stay calm, identify the root cause, and implement a solution quickly is crucial in this role.

3. Teamwork

SCADA projects often involve multiple teams—engineers, field operators, and sometimes clients. It’s not just about your technical skills but how you work with others. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented individuals in the field, and I’ve learned that it’s the collaborative spirit and diverse skill sets of the team that make all the difference.

4. Adaptability

The SCADA world is dynamic. As technology evolves and challenges emerge, we need to be flexible and adapt quickly. In my first few months on the job, I visited water and sewerage plants where the experience has taught me the importance of being adaptable and how to respond to real-world challenges that couldn’t have been anticipated during training.

The Reward of Overcoming Challenges

The challenges in SCADA are constant, from system security and compatibility to scalability and reliability. But they are also incredibly rewarding. Knowing that the work we do impacts critical infrastructure that supports millions of lives gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that goes beyond the technical aspects of the job. Each day brings new challenges, but it’s through those challenges that I’ve learned the true value of perseverance and teamwork and it's not just the technical side of SCADA that matters but it’s the ability to communicate, collaborate, and adapt that truly shapes the success of the system and the team.

Why Soft Skills Matter to SCADA Engineers

In conclusion, while technical proficiency is fundamental to any SCADA Engineer’s role, soft skills are the catalyst that unlocks your full potential. Whether you’re working with clients, troubleshooting a malfunction, or collaborating with your team, the ability to navigate these interactions smoothly is just as critical as knowing the ins and outs of the system architecture.

As you embark on your SCADA journey, remember that the most successful engineers are not only the ones who can troubleshoot a PLC or design an effective RTU system, but also the ones who can communicate their ideas clearly, solve problems creatively, and work harmoniously with others.

For anyone just starting in SCADA or looking to grow in the field, I encourage you to embrace both the technical and soft skills necessary for success. Trust me, they will serve you well as you contribute to the critical systems that power industries worldwide.

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