With Halloween approaching, it’s not too late in the year to give your engineering career a boost. After all, career development is something you need to focus on each and every day on the job. Achieving your professional hopes and dreams requires a full effort until your retirement day.
With continued success as an engineer in mind, here are a few insights on how to improve your career. Leverage these straightforward ideas to keep your career path trending onwards and upwards.
Nurture Your Professional Network
A professional network remains an essential part of any engineering career for two main reasons. First, whenever you encounter a difficult technical issue, your network colleagues are an essential resource of advice. Secondly, if you need to look for a new position, the network is another source of potential engineer job openings. Be sure to focus on both your online network, LinkedIn, etc., as well as meeting colleagues in person at conferences and technology mixers.
Always Keep a Positive Attitude
No matter how difficult your work becomes, maintaining a positive attitude is essential. A primary reason for this is that negativity siphons your productivity and becomes contagious. Engineering companies don’t want to employ someone who complains all the time; bringing the rest of the team down.
Learn the Business Side of the Shop
Understanding the business side of your company’s operations puts your career on a fast track to success. Also, consider adding an MBA to your engineering degree. While you won’t graduate by the end of the year, at least take the time to learn about the various degree programs.
Hone Your Communication Skills
In addition to a better understanding of business, improving your communication skills also helps your career. Create a blog to publish your own articles on work, and post the links on your LinkedIn profile. Additionally, consider joining a local Toastmasters chapter to boost your public speaking ability.
Learn a New Technology Innovation
Sure, adding business acumen and communication skills to your toolbox makes you a more well-rounded engineer, but don’t forget technology. Take the time to learn a new tech innovation by the end of the year. Present your findings to your co-workers and brainstorm on how to use it on an upcoming project.
If you need advice on building a great engineering career, talk with the knowledgeable recruiters at Venteon. As one of the top technical staffing agencies in the Midwest, we know the companies looking for talented engineers. Connect with us soon to take your engineering career to the next level!
