Being an engineer is not easy, and despite the large number of professionals specialized in the various fields, companies are looking for something more than just a formal title.
Completing a course of study and obtaining a university degree in itself is a remarkable achievement (it really is!). But the way to enter the world of work is only at the beginning. Here are some tips to pursue an engineering career and make sure you don’t miss out on anything to satisfy your ambitions.
Just as it is unthinkable to do the job of an engineer without a degree in engineering, it is just as important to leave some details to chance. Being an engineer is not a small thing at all: it requires patience, dedication and a great desire to arrive. The competition can be fierce, and the required skills constantly increasing. Companies are increasingly selective in order to be certain of opting for the best choice.
For this reason we propose ten points below which describe the qualities that the human resources of the sector look for in the candidates at the beginning of their professional career. And because they are important for the career of an engineer.
Communication
Communication skills are as important in everyday life as in professional life. Engineers, in particular, must excel in communication by dealing with multiple areas: from the specifically technical to the more generic and personal; not only that, it is essential that they have or develop another degree, of these qualities, both written and spoken.
In this so-called second-generation digital age, the ways to communicate naturally go beyond the canonical mails or phone calls. Meetings via Skype, sail mail and a whole new technology company require constant adaptability and versatility, and it is important to know how to manage depending on the means by which you communicate.
For this reason, having communication skills is practically vital for engineers. Brainstorming, project meetings, product design and problem solving interventions lead to interaction with the clients, for which no false step can be committed, with misunderstandings and incomplete information.
Personal relationships
Although this gift is closely connected with communication skills, relating to customers is the basis of the development of the profession, which begins with the first handshake.
It is important that she is constantly trained and perfected every day. For an engineer, personal relationships are also the way to transmit security and positivity in what you are doing, proving that you are in control of any event under any circumstances.
As we said, it is a gift that must be trained daily starting from the workplace, interacting with people in calm, friendly but at the same time authoritative ways, which affirm their role of responsibility.
Problem solving
Often the aptitude for problem solving is an innate gift: critical attitude, speed of execution and incessant attention towards operations are abilities that are not learned, but that can mature with a constant commitment. Knowing the nature of a problem is not enough, and being ready to imagine a solution is fundamental. We are always dealing with something that did not go as planned, so the promptness of intervention makes the difference.
Engineers must be able to identify and analyze the true nature of the problem in a short time. Having a firm and determined attitude is essential. Over time, certain problems will certainly arise again, so it is essential to know how to recognize them in order to act promptly.
As you can guess, therefore not being a gift that is easily learned, the aptitude for problem solving can be developed over time and with experience in the field, not letting yourself be discouraged by the inevitable mistakes. These will be the best teachers, more than the years spent on books.
Technical skills
The titles that have formed an engineer already give an account of what his technical skills are. Not only that, even previous work experiences help to understand what is its most suitable role; as well as the perfect knowledge of the markets, industrial trends and always being up to date.
It certainly helps in this case to demonstrate that you can and would like to add further training to that already acquired to reveal the aptitude to undertake a constantly evolving pre-vocational path.
Owning all this is practically what is asked of professionals such as engineers.
Companies are always looking for figures with these characteristics, so it is of fundamental importance not to underestimate them.
Reasons
Enthusiasm and commitment. These are the key words to give rise to motivations, without which one cannot think of proceeding. The authenticity in demonstrating those guarantees companies that they are making the right choice among the many options available. If you are looking for a job just for money, it’s better to change your mind.
Showing enthusiasm also means taking particular care of one’s professional path, which aims for ever higher roles. It is very important to show it also for everything concerning the company, its performance, the competition.
Industry skills
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics: these are the bases on which an engineer must unquestionably be trained. Having a precise and profound knowledge of these four subjects allows you to hold an interview on a par with the companies for which you would like to work.
However, before an interview it is crucial to be sure that you have done all the research in the sector, to understand the products and services of the company with which you want to have an opportunity.
It is therefore advisable to carefully examine the recipients of your resume.
Analytical mind
Although not sufficient, it is a necessary condition for an engineer to have an analytical mind. Being analytical helps to address the critical issues that will inevitably arise in the performance of one’s work.
It helps to experiment and always try new roads, and to always offer the best among the available solutions (also from an – important – point of view of cost benefits).
Attention to detail
Engineers always deal with complex projects, and attention to detail is important to ensure the successful completion of operations, and that nothing potentially dangerous is overlooked or forgotten, thus nullifying the entire job (also invalidating the company name).
Team work
Another important component among those required of an engineer is to feel part of a group or team, because there is no job that he can do on his own (except for freelance consultations).
For this reason, the ability to manage a group, to lead and to belong to, is of vital importance for completing projects.
Management and control
Engineers must have a leading personality.
They are called to have very high responsibilities, which is why their authority is fundamental.
They must be able to identify the strengths of the collaborators and try to capitalize them to the maximum, so as to obtain a really efficient work team. But it is not only the task of driving that is required: the ability to create a climate of continuous collaboration and exchange is also of primary importance, to complete any project in the best way.
The collaborative spirit is also essential to motivate the team members and encourage them to give their best.
The quality of leader must be continuously trained, without stopping, because it contains all the others mentioned above and gives a guarantee of success in the development of one’s professional career.
Tags: Engineers, job interviews
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