"The Future Engineer" presentation by Ferose V R at the Next Generation SAP Enterprise Architect Forum 2024 encapsulates a transformative vision for the role of engineers and architects in the evolving technological landscape. It advocates for the development of multidimensional engineers who integrate deep technical expertise with broad, interdisciplinary knowledge, including the humanities and arts. Emphasizing core values such as courage, compassion, curiosity, community, and craftsmanship, the talk and accompanying presentation highlight the importance of adopting a long-term perspective, learning from the ingenuity of past engineering titans, and committing to ethical practices and social responsibility. Through fostering ingenuity, embracing continuous learning, and harnessing the power of storytelling, the presentation outlines a roadmap for nurturing future engineers who are equipped to lead, innovate, and contribute positively to society in an interconnected world.
The Next Generation SAP Enterprise Architect Forum 2024 has once again proven to be a crucible of forward-thinking ideas, where the future of technology and its creators are reimagined. Among the illuminating sessions, V R Ferose's presentation, "The Future Engineer," stood out for its profound insights and inspiring vision. Ferose, the Senior Vice President and Head of SAP Academy for Engineering, shared his blueprint for developing the next wave of engineering talent at SAP, focusing on a multidimensional approach that marries technical skills with broader humanistic and ethical considerations.
Core Insights from Ferose's Talk:
1. Beyond Technical Skills - The Multidimensional Engineer:
Ferose passionately argued for the evolution of engineers from mere technical problem solvers to multidimensional innovators. This new breed of engineers would not only excel in their technical domains but also possess skills in the humanities, arts, and ethics, enabling them to approach problems with empathy, creativity, and a deep sense of social responsibility.
2. Core Values as the Foundation:
Central to Ferose's vision are core values of courage, compassion, curiosity, community, and craftsmanship. These values are envisioned as the guiding stars for engineers, shaping their approach to challenges, interactions with peers, and the impact of their work on the world
3. Learning from the Past, Building for the Future:
Drawing inspiration from engineering titans of the past and present, Ferose emphasized the importance of learning from their journeys. By understanding the traits that led to their success, future engineers can imbibe qualities like resilience, ingenuity, and a commitment to making a difference.
4. Storytelling as a Key Skill:
Emphasizing the power of storytelling, Ferose highlighted its significance in bridging the gap between complex engineering solutions and their implications in the real world. Storytelling is not just for entertainment but a crucial skill for engineers to articulate, inspire, and lead.
5. A Commitment to the Greater Good:
"The Future Engineer" also called for engineers to pledge their skills towards the betterment of society. This altruistic vision aligns with the broader mission of SAP to use technology as a force for good, ensuring that innovations contribute positively to the world.
V R Ferose's "The Future Engineer" was not just a session; it's was a manifesto for the next generation of SAP engineers. It challenges us to rethink the essence of engineering and its role in society. As we chart our paths forward, let's keep these insights at the forefront, ensuring that we not only excel in our technical endeavors but also contribute to creating a world that's more inclusive, sustainable, and compassionate.
Main Recommendations
These recommendations aim to shape future enterprise architects who are not only technically skilled but also possess a broad range of human skills and ethical considerations, enabling them to lead and innovate in a complex, interconnected world.
- Foster Ingenuity and Craftsmanship: Encourage the cultivation of an ingenious mindset and craftsmanship in engineering practices. This involves approaching engineering challenges with creative solutions and a meticulous attention to detail, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
- Adopt a Long-Term Perspective: Future enterprise architects are advised to embrace a long-term mindset in their work, focusing on sustainable solutions that consider future implications and the lasting impact of their projects on society and the environment.
- Explore Engineering Titans: Study the lives and works of historical and contemporary engineering figures to extract valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and the diverse paths to success. This exploration can serve as inspiration and guidance for personal and professional growth.
- Emphasize the Multi-Dimensional Engineer: Move beyond the traditional "T-shaped" model and cultivate "Pi-shaped" engineers who possess deep technical skills, broad knowledge across disciplines, and an artistic or humanitarian lens through which they view their work.
- Core Values as Guiding Principles: Embed core values such as courage, compassion, curiosity, community, and craftsmanship into the ethos of enterprise architecture. These values should guide decision-making, project execution, and interpersonal interactions within and beyond the workplace.
- Commit to Personal and Collective Consciousness: Engineers should pledge to use their talents and knowledge with a conscious commitment to ethical practices, contributing to the welfare of society, and the responsible stewardship of technological advancements.
- Diverse and Inclusive Content Stack: Embrace a curriculum that integrates a comprehensive technology stack with multidisciplinary skills, including cross-cultural intelligence, purpose-driven leadership, and effective communication. This approach ensures that future architects are well-prepared to tackle complex challenges and lead diverse teams.
- Journaling and Reflection for Growth: Encourage the practice of journaling and reflection as tools for personal development, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Regular self-reflection can enhance learning experiences and foster a growth mindset.
- Community Engagement and Hackathons: Engage in community-building activities and participate in hackathons to apply skills in real-world scenarios, foster innovation, and strengthen collaborations. These experiences can provide practical insights and strengthen the architect's ability to work effectively in team settings.
- Leadership through Storytelling: Develop the art of storytelling as a leadership tool. Effective storytelling can inspire teams, articulate visions clearly, and bridge the gap between technical solutions and their impact on people's lives.
Key Recommendations for SAP's Engineering Community:
- Embrace Multidisciplinarity: Engineers should actively seek knowledge outside their technical fields, exploring areas like psychology, art, and ethics to enrich their problem-solving toolkit.
- Live by Core Values: The SAP engineering community is encouraged to internalize the core values outlined by Ferose, allowing them to guide professional and personal growth.
- Learn from the Legends: Investigate the lives and works of prominent engineers, drawing lessons and inspiration for your own career.
- Master the Art of Storytelling: Develop your storytelling skills to effectively communicate complex ideas and connect with diverse audiences.
- Pledge for Positive Impact: Reflect on how your skills and projects can contribute to societal betterment, aligning your work with SAP’s vision for a better future.
Remember:
"“In the VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world we live in, the biggest differentiation is the ability to make connections in seemingly disconnected things. And the way to do that, is to build multi-dimensional human skills."" - Ferose V R"
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