There’s more to being a successful mechanical engineer than being good at math and science. Whether you’re a recent engineering graduate or have been working as an mechanical engineering manager for many years, there are tips and strategies that can help you advance in your profession. Let’s take a look at some of these tips that can take your engineering career to the next level. Think like a businessman:
OK, I realize this sounds counter intuitive, but the reality is that engineering firms are looking to hire engineers who think like business people. They want engineers who have been involved with strategy and planning and know their way around a balance sheet and income statements. Think outside your discipline:
You might have gone to college to study mechanical engineering, but today’s complex products often contain software and related electronic components so there will be times when design issues will confront you that fall outside of your technical discipline. Be a team player:
Professional engineering involves collaboration among many different disciplines that must come together to resolve complex issues . As a result, communication skills are as important as technical expertise. Follow the rules:
Academia often rewards those who think freely. Industry does too, but within the confines of established design procedures and best practices. Learn to live by your employers’ values and codes of conduct or move on. Be part of the innovation pipeline:
Always be open to new ideas. Beware of the Not-Invented-Here bias that exists at some companies. Companies will reward engineers who encourage innovative ideas. Make your boss look good:
This is sometimes hard because engineers are often intimated by managers who are given the power to hire, fire and promote. A good manager, however, wants their employees to be successful so be on their side and your career’s future will benefit. Stay connected to your university:
Keep in touch with your college.Participate in technical societies to increase your networking reach. Keep learning:
Stay ahead of the curve and seek out new assignments and opportunities to learn new technologies, sign up for training programs and make the most of company-paid educational benefits.
Be involved:
It’s important for engineers to network and build relationships when attending professional events. Find a mentor:
Look for an older, more established engineer at your company who might be interested in mentoring you. Many engineering societies also have programs that will assign you a career mentor. Beef up your communication skills:
Many engineers prefer to stick to the technical design track, while others will want to branch off into management roles, which means you’ll need to be comfortable talking to customers, giving presentations and working with outside suppliers, agencies, etc
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