TECC 023: The Engineering Career Coach Podcast – 10 Answers for 10 Questions from 10 Engineers

In this session of The Engineering Career Coach Podcast, I answer 10 questions related to career and personal development, submitted by The Engineering Career Coach Podcast listeners. In fact, I received so many questions that this will be the first of two shows in this format. "Asking the right questions takes as much skill as giving the right answers." - Robert Half The career-changing tip at the end of the show will provide you with one actionable step that can help you overcome ANY challenge in your engineering career. Below are the 10 questions that I answer on this show, each followed by a one-sentence snippet of the answer: Q1: How do you answer a boss who wants you to change a design just because that isn’t the way he or she would have solved the design problem; especially because the contracted amount typically assumes one-time design? - Jeanine, Texas A1: Sit down with your boss and/or client prior to starting and ask them what they would like to see in the design so that you can incorporate their thoughts and ideas, if they work. (Listen to show for full answer). Q2: I have worked for the same small civil/structural consulting firm since graduating college, five years ago. I have been contemplating whether or not to try to interview with other companies in a similar field to get more growth and experience. My question is, how long should I stick with my current company, and have I been there too long already? I do enjoy parts of my job and company, but I know the pay/benefits would be better with a larger company. – Bradley, Louisiana A2: Ask yourself, “Will my current job allow me to reach my goals in a reasonable amount of time?” (Listen to show for full answer). Helpful resources on this topic: www.engineeringmanagementinstitute.org/highersalary Q3: I work in the power distribution industry, and all of the local municipally owned distribution companies are very closely connected; everyone knows everyone. My challenge is how to quit my current job and move to another one in the same industry without burning any bridges/relationships with current managers/colleagues, as I will still be coming across my colleagues in one way or another when I transition into my new company. In addition, as soon as I submit an application to another company, there will be talks amongst the managers of my future company and my current company and thus friction between us. – Vicky, Canada A3: Be open, transparent, and completely honest with your existing employer and prospective employers about the reasons you are seeking a new opportunity. (Listen to show for full answer). Q4: When you were starting out as a young engineer, what was it that led you to your career now (job skills, mentors, luck, other opportunities, training in an area/skill, etc.)? A4: I realized what my passion was and followed it. (Listen to show for full answer). Helpful resources on this topic: www.engineeringmanagementinstitute.org/birthday Q5: How would an engineer stay competitive in the future job market? - Calvin A5: Develop all of your non-technical skills (i.e., communication, networking, etc.), and also stay up to date on all of the latest technological trends in your industry, including the latest computer software programs. (Listen to show for full answer). Q6:I have about a million questions regarding where I can go with my future career, be it engineering related or otherwise. Some background: I'm 22 and I've just recently completed my second year of mechanical engineering with the environmental option at UWindsor. This summer, I've been interning at one of the big three automotive companies in the area, and already I can tell that the corporate environment isn't the place for me.