Published Paper Details:

Technical competence is a central component of engineering education; however, effective English communication has become increasingly important for graduates seeking employment in today's global and professionally interconnected workplace. This study investigates the relationship between workplace English communication practices and graduate career readiness, with particular attention to the frequency of language use, the relative importance of communication macro-skills, and the functions performed through English in professional settings. A mixed-method research design was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative evidence collected through reflective workplace diaries maintained by 97 practicing mechanical engineers for 30 consecutive days. The diary data were complemented by semi-structured interviews conducted for triangulation and supported by a review of relevant secondary literature. The findings indicate that English is used extensively in professional engineering environments, with participants reporting its use on approximately 21-25 days during the observation period. Among the major communication skills, writing was identified as the most frequently used and professionally significant skill. The analysis further demonstrates that workplace English is predominantly employed for transactional and informational purposes, while interactional communication receives comparatively less emphasis. These findings highlight a notable mismatch between the communication demands of engineering workplaces and the language preparation provided through conventional engineering curricula. The limited emphasis on practical English communication, particularly written documentation, technical reporting, and task-oriented communication, may consequently restrict graduates' workplace preparedness and employability. The study recommends greater integration of authentic workplace communication practices into engineering education to strengthen students' English communication competence and enhance their overall career readiness.