How to Become an Expert as an Engineer

The following is a summary of Episode 53 of my podcast, The Engineering Career Coach (TECC) Podcast. I will summarize the main points in this post; however, you can also listen to the show through the website or by subscribing on iTunes. I offer a career-changing tip at the end of each podcast session.

In this session of The Engineering Career Coach (TECC) Podcast, I interview Sylvia Montgomery, partner at the professional service branding and marketing firm, Hinge Marketing. Sylvia shares her secrets on the existence, power and the purpose of being a visible expert.  

Here are several key points covered on expertise in this episode:

1. There are 5 levels to becoming a visible expert:
   
   1. Resident expert  - An expert in his or her company.
   2. Local hero – Someone who is known in his or her community.
   3. Rising Star – Someone who is sought after.
   4. Industry Rock Star – An expert who is known throughout his or her industry.
   5. Global Expert – An expert who is known around the world.
2. Key ways to develop your expertise :
   
   1. Contribute to a blog or start your own.
   2. Become a published author by writing a research paper or a book.
   3. Speak in front of people as often as possible.
   4. Develop your reputation online through LinkedIn and other outlets.
   5. Develop your soft skills, especially your public speaking skills.

In the final segment at the end of the show, Montgomery outlined the initial steps to putting yourself on the path to expertise as an engineer.

What are some steps that you have taken to develop your expertise as an engineer?  

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.