In this paper, the qualities and characteristics required from an engineer who works globally are discussed based on my own experience of a joint research project with a European company. The most important qualities and characteristics are integrity, one′s own initiative, basic and expert knowledge, creativity, communicative skills and broad world view. Having initiative seems to be especially significant but is a weak point of young engineers in Japan at present. Ways to develop students′ initiative are discussed in detail from a view point of the engineering education.