"This positions OP for long-term success. I'm late in my career and can tell you that engineering skill only really matters in a few places and that what and who you know, as well as how you treat people/circumstances, is 99% of the job."
Correct, if they're just looking to catapult themselves to the upper echelons of "leadership" and "executive" careers. But that has nothing to do with engineering which is what they asked for.
"leadership" is arguably the most important engineering skill. Every engineering role I've ever had required leading people or organizations to make the correct technical choices.
You're conflating manipulating with engineering. Communicating with people can be part of a job but it isn't engineering.
engineering
noun
the art or science of making practical application of the knowledge of pure sciences, as physics or chemistry, as in the construction of engines, bridges, buildings, mines, ships, and chemical plants.
Digital Technology. the art or process of designing and programming computer systems:
computer engineering;
software engineering.
Engineering is about making tradeoffs and then you're entirely in the realm of communication. You can pretend otherwise but you'll be wrong and all of the decisions will be made without or around you.
Correct, if they're just looking to catapult themselves to the upper echelons of "leadership" and "executive" careers. But that has nothing to do with engineering which is what they asked for.