Five Secrets to Improving yourself as a Tech Engineer
May 28th, 2014If you think your development as an engineer stops the day you graduate from college, you are sadly mistaken. The best engineers consistently take steps to improve themselves, knowing that this is an effort that ultimately benefits both their current employer as well as their career. Technical professionals must never stagnate.
Let’s take a look at five secrets to improve yourself as an engineer.
Understand the Business of your Current Employer
Remember that technology generally exists to serve the business needs of a corporation — not the other way around. Make it point to learn and understand everything about your company’s work — competition, supply chain, future prospects for growth, etc. Consider going back to school for your MBA, as when paired with an engineering degree, the combination serves your career nicely.
Don’t Let Technology leave you in the Dust
While it is vital to spend time learning the business environment of your company, it remains equally important to stay up to date on technology. Consider subscribing to magazines and journals related to your engineering discipline. Joining a professional association is a great way to network and stay current on tech.
Self-Criticism is Valuable for your Growth
Take the time to set professional career goals and perform the self-analysis necessary to either achieve those goals or set different ones. Being honest with yourself and your technical skill set is a great way to keep developing as a professional.
Take on Challenging Work Assignments
A difficult project at work is a great way to sharpen your technical skills, and possibly your business acumen as well. Be sure to consistently challenge yourself, and you may find that your career is growing by leaps and bounds.
Every Day is a Day for Learning
The bottom line is that the learning never stops for an engineer. Maintain the curiosity that prompted you to enter the engineering field in the first place. Consider getting an advanced degree in engineering in addition to that MBA.
If you need any additional career development advice, talk to the experts at The Talley Group. As one of the top engineering staffing companies in the Seattle area, they are a great source of Seattle engineering jobs in addition to engineering career advice. Schedule some time with them today!