This study examines the development and utilization of professional and engineering skills
among first-year Electrical and Electronic Engineering students during a practical design
project. Spanning five weeks, students engage in project work and reflect on their skill
utilization through weekly surveys. Key skills include Science and Mathematics (SM), Engineering Analysis (EA), Design and Innovation (DI), Widening Engineering Context (WEC),
and Professional Competencies (PC). Results reveal distinct trends in skill utilization, with
some skills peaking at certain stages while others demonstrate consistent usage. Towards the
project’s conclusion, there is a shift towards greater utilization of professional competencies,
underscoring their significance. Box plots offer insights into variations in student responses
within each skill category. The findings highlight the importance of integrating professional
skills development within engineering curricula, offering insights for curriculum development
efforts. This study contributes to the discourse on engineering education reform, emphasizing
the need for a holistic approach to skill development to meet the demands of the engineering
landscape.