The transition from engineering roles to management positions is a critical phase in

engineers' career development. However, this transition process often presents

significant challenges and necessitates specific personal characteristics, skills, and

motivators. This study aims to identify the impact of these factors on the transition

from engineering to management roles and investigate their influence on engineers'

career development.

Employing a qualitative approach, this study utilizes thematic analysis to analyze

data derived from in-depth interviews with eight engineers transitioned to

management roles. Transcribed interviews were examined to recognize key themes

related to the research questions.

Thematic analysis uncovered three central themes linked to the transition process:

personal characteristics, skills, and motivators. Personal characteristics

encompassed leadership, communication, and adaptability. Skills comprised

technical and business acumen, project management, and people management.

Motivators encompassed career advancement, financial rewards, and personal

growth. The analysis also revealed prevalent challenges encountered during the

transition process, including adapting to new roles, and managing workload

demands.

This study emphasizes the critical importance of effective career planning and

development to facilitate engineers' successful transition into management roles.

The findings suggest that transitioning from engineering roles to management

positions necessitates a distinct set of personal characteristics, skills, and

appropriate motivators. By actively cultivating these attributes, engineers can

overcome the challenges encountered during the transition process.

Future research is recommended to explore the efficacy of diverse training and

development programs aimed at equipping engineers with the requisite skills and

characteristics essential for a successful transition into management roles.