In this session of The Engineering Career Coach (TECC) Podcast, Chris Knutson and I are going to answer questions from our listeners asking for career advice.
Here is the summary of the questions and answers we’ve discussed in this session:
Question:
I have had my own small engineering business for a while now. I have been able to make it through the recession but how do I know when I can (or should) hire another engineer? What is the best way to perform engineering business development and the best ways to balance marketing/business development and perform design services? – Robert from Illinois
Answer:
- If you have to do something more than once, delegate or sub it out – create standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Designate a certain time each day for engineering business development
- Hire out your business development tasks or find a consultant
- Cut your cost and invest in your staff and build your asset
Question:
What kind of skills would serve as technical skills for engineers and engineering leaders? – Terrance from Lake Charles, LA
Answer:
- Join technical associations in whatever discipline you’re in
- Ask engineering alumni and find an engineering mentor to know what kind of technical skills you need to be an expert in your specific engineering field
- Learn leadership/management skills because these fundamentals are essentially evergreen
Question:
How do you learn from an engineering project or class failure or shortcoming without sending your work/mindset into a stalemate? – Rafael from Charleston
Answer:
- Ask yourself 2 questions: Where is the opportunity in this situation? and Where can I learn and grow from this situation?
- Use the failure to propel yourself and avoid future mistakes
- Keep your eye on the end goal
Question:
I am a chemical engineering student and I was wondering if you think taking the FE exam would be worthwhile? – Marlene from New York
Answer:
- Yes, yes and yes!
- PE license is a huge asset; it creates more opportunities for you
- You never know when in your career, you might need your PE license
Question:
What has changed in engineering careers over the last 30 years? – Ricardo from Honduras
Answer:
- Soft skills are needed much more in engineering today
- Engineers need to be more well rounded
- Incorporation of technology at every level
- Competitive pressures from expat engineers
Question:
What is the best way to stay vigilant and focused on improving myself as a professional, and finding opportunities in a shrinking job market? – Tim from Ontario, Canada
Answer:
- Know how to stand out by:
- Joining a Toastmasters club in your school or developing your speaking skills through other avenues
- Obtaining internships, even if they are volunteer work
- Tapping into your engineering alumni association
- Do some market analysis: what type of engineering, where are the jobs at, and what niches are available
What should you do to stand out from other engineers?
Anthony Fasano, PE, author of Engineer Your Own Success, found success as an engineer at a very early age and now writes and podcasts to help other engineers do the same. Visit Anthony’s website at EngineeringCareerCoach.com to access all of the free engineering career resources he has created to help engineers succeed.