Being a successful engineer has more to do than simply being good at math and science. Whether you are a recent graduate or graduated 2 decades ago, there are some strategies and tips you can employ to increase the chances of advancing your career to electrical engineering jobs in Canada, some of which you might find surprising.
So, let’s examine some of these tips that can be used by all engineers to ensure that their careers remain on the right trajectory.
1. Learning the Bigger Picture
You might find this surprising, but the reality is that engineering firms are increasingly looking for engineers capable of thinking like business people. They want engineers that have been involved with planning and strategy and who know their way around income statements and balance sheets. All engineers should understand how the total costs involved in making your company’s products affect business decisions.
2. Out-the-Box Thinking
The “box” referred to here is your respective discipline. You may have gone to study mechanical engineering in college, but many of the complex products of today contain embedded electronics and software, which means that there will be instances when you will be confronted by design issues that fall outside of your technical discipline. Learn at least the basics of other relevant disciplines, such as software and electronic design.
3. Being a Team Player
Collaborative design is a part of reality for today’s product development efforts, and design efforts have now been expanded to include more people, many of whom are outside the field of engineering. All the disciplines need to come together for the purpose of resolving complex issues and coming up with solutions to bring products to market. That’s why communication and other “soft” skills are today just as important as technical expertise.
4. Coming Up with New Ideas and Being Innovative
Innovation in new products is what sets successful companies apart from the competition. You should always be open to new ideas, even those coming from outside your group. Be wary of the “Not-Invented-Here” bias that’s found in some organizations. Companies typically reward engineers that encourage innovative ideas, no matter their origins.
5. Being an Active Alumni
You should strive to keep in touch with your alma mater by offering to join technical societies with the intention of increasing your networking reach. You can also organize technical sessions at industry association conferences and write technical papers to enhance your experience as well as the reputation of your company.
6. Keep Learning New Skills
It is important to keep learning new skills because the tools used for product design and analysis are constantly improving and changing. Stay ahead of the curve by seeking out new opportunities and assignments to learn new technologies, signing up for training programs, and making the most of company-paid educational benefits. If possible, you should also attend events organized by professional organizations, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers or the American Society of Civil Engineers.
7. Working on Your “Soft” Skills
All forms of communication, both verbal and written, are critical to advancing in your engineering career. If you are an engineer that wants to eventually transition into a managerial position, you will have to be comfortable talking to customers, giving presentations, and working with outside agencies, suppliers, etc. That’s why it is absolutely critical that you develop these “soft” skills.