3 Steps for Success for Engineering Professionals

Engineering professionals are one of the most sought after individuals in the job market. In fact, according to Forbes, industries that haven’t needed engineers in the past, are now actively looking to fill these critical positions. With a wide range of opportunities available, it’s a great time to be an engineer!  Be sure to follow these 3 Steps for Success to grow in your career:

Experience is everything in any field. If you have a specific engineering career goal in mind, build experience that is relevant to that goal. This will keep you on the right track to quickly become an expert in a specific field, opening up many opportunities for you. When it comes to experience, there’s usually two types of people: those who don’t have enough, and those who have a little bit of everything.

   >>If you’re an engineer who’s just starting out, our recruiters’ advice is that you diversify your experience. This doesn’t mean you have to have 5 different jobs within the next five years, but diversify your experience at your current position by simply asking. Ask your manager for new responsibilities, new projects, or new opportunities that you can get in on. A new project might lead you to learn a new software which may just get you your next job.

    >>As an engineer who’s been in the field for some years, be sure to filter out your experience. It’s not about how much you have, but about how much of the right experience you can bring to the job. Depending on what position you’re going after, tailor your resume/LinkedIn to highlight the skills necessary for that job or industry.

Having a clear and direct resume is key to getting your foot in the door. It’s been said that recruiters spend about 7 seconds or less looking at a resume. Don’t make them invest extra time trying to figure out what you’re trying to communicate. Chances are that they won’t, and they’ll move on to the next one. Instead, make sure your resume reads well and highlights your strong engineering abilities. Every skill, every tool, and every software that is relevant to the industry/position you’re applying for should be clear and visible on your resume. Don’t assume people will automatically know that certain skills align with a specific title because it always varies. Being explicitly clear will help you showcase the best version of yourself, and guide you in the right path towards your goals.

Engineering professionals, like many others, tend to grow too comfortable in their current positions. Even if you love the company you’re in, it doesn’t mean you should stop growing and learning. Recruiters are not only looking for people who are well-qualified, but for people who are passionate about what they do. If you want to succeed as a professional, it’s absolutely crucial to remain enthusiastic within your role. It’s such a simple, yet powerful factor that will positively impact your career.