Tips to Further your Engineering Career

Engineers with knowledge and skill have the opportunity to further their careers or get out of a dead end rut, but it's not always as easy as it seems.  Sometimes you just get stuck in a rut and pushing your career forward feels like an enormous mountain to climb.  Here are a few ways that you can overcome that hurdle and develop your career.

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The Networking Process

Networking with other professionals and firms will increase your professional profile amongst other engineering professionals in your field.

Get known and get to know those in the engineering field.  Use social media platforms like LinkedIn or myOpportunity. Read their articles, comments, reports and opinions. Become known by sending comments and subscribing to pertinent blogs or newsletters. Show an interest in learning and expanding your skills and knowledge by asking questions that highlight their expertise. 

Expand your network by connecting with colleagues and acquaintances of other engineering professionals. Keep in mind that certain social media platforms are international, which will be advantageous in creating a strong network.

Presentations

Attend conferences and presentations, not only to learn but to meet face-to-face with other professionals. Spend constructive social time outside the conference discussing information, projects and industry subjects.  Ask pertinent questions to make it known you are passionate about engineering and your career. You need not only stick to engineering conferences but conferences that will also build on your soft skills, don't overlook a golden opportunity to network and keep bettering yourself.

Organizations

Engineering organizations are also a great way to meet other professionals.  Keep your finger on the pulse of engineering by interacting with others in the same profession.

Start with joining organizations that concentrate on your engineering specialty.  Be sure to be an active member, otherwise you are just paying for something without reaping the benefits.

Your extracurricular activities often reveal more about your abilities, your attitude, and your competency than you might imagine. That exposure creates opinion, and opinion drives positive affect.

Various publications

Research a well-written and informative article for a professional publication. Include well-thought-out and new information that meets the publication's guidelines. Having your name printed in a respected journal or publication gives you instant recognition as a professional.

Additionally, electronic publications provide good exposure. E-zine, niche blogs and newsletter websites often welcome contributing authors. These publications are easier to write and submit for consideration as they do not require long texts like journals might.

Niche blogs with informative articles are very popular for their ease of reading and accessibility. You can start your own blog, they aren't difficult to start, and if focused on one specialty and presenting highly qualified, relevant content, they can be easily found by those seeking information and those seeking engineering jobs.  

Self-Promotion

With social media, blogs, presentations, conferences, and organizations, you will need to maintain them and keep them up to date.  All of these go toward self-promotion and will keep you in the mind of other engineering professionals. In addition, it establishes you as an expert in your field, creating greater exposure for your resume and within the industry.

Get Involved in Volunteering

Donate your time and expertise to local charities and causes. For example, chemical engineers might teach a safety course about household cleaners through The Salvation Army or a data engineer could teach disadvantaged youths about the possibility of a career in computers. Orphanages could benefit from information on a career in machine repair or design.

By selflessly helping your fellows, not only does it make you a better person, but it can also gain the attention of those who oversee the programs and fund them, potentially resulting in cross-networking at high influence levels that will help you find your dream engineering job.