Engineering is one of the world’s most innovative career paths. It’s an ever-changing industry that relies on the creativity and technical expertise of dedicated professionals. Engineers are expert problem solvers and have the opportunity to work on a range of projects, so it can be a highly rewarding career.
However, like in any sector, advancement can be a challenge and requires active investment. Therefore, professionals must ensure they continuously advocate for themselves, as well as work on their skills and any weak points to help grow their careers.
So, how can you advance your engineering career?
Here at BMR Solutions we are an engineering and technical recruitment company who work alongside leading companies in the industry to help you find your dream job. In this article, we discuss the ways in which professionals can keep moving their careers forward in a straightforward 7 step plan to help you achieve your career goals.
1. Keep learning new skills.
In the engineering sector, products and tools are constantly evolving, so it’s important that professionals ensure they keep pace with all the latest developments. Depending on what stage you’re at in your career, it’s important to keep seeking new opportunities to learn new engineering skills or take on new assignments.
This could include learning more about project management, prototyping, troubleshooting or expanding your knowledge in different types of software. There are also plenty of engineering events, courses and conferences that can help develop your career and expand your network.
2. Choose a speciality.
One of the best ways to accelerate your engineering career is to focus on a specialism. There are various branches in engineering, such as power and renewables, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil and structural engineering. When you focus on a niche, it gives your career a sense of direction and greater clarity over your career goals. Specialist engineers can often be higher in demand than a generalist, so potentially it can give you more opportunities.
While it’s important to have a broad skillet and a wide knowledge of different areas, choosing a specific engineering branch can enable you to become an expert in that core discipline, making you more marketable long-term.
3. Start a side project.
Starting a side project as an engineer comes with a range of benefits. Firstly, it’s an excellent way to gain new experience and responsibilities outside of the workplace. For example, you could engineer your own products that you could show to future employers in interviews. This is a great way to position yourself as a thought leader in your industry and continue to build your expertise. Also, engineering professionals could offer consulting services as a way to build autonomy and provide unique solutions outside of their main role.
All of this can help you grow personally and professionally, which can move you to the next stage in your career. It may even help you improve your prospects when working with an engineering staffing agency such as BMR Solutions.
4. Find a mentor.
Having a mentor can be a great way to manage your career. A mentor can answer questions based on their own experience and help guide you on the right path, as well as help boost your performance as an engineer. Mentors can help you with problems at work, help improve your soft skills and give you insights into how to achieve your professional goals. Mentors serve as motivators, providing encouragement and self-confidence. Ultimately, a good mentor will give you unbiased feedback, allowing you to get a fresh perspective.
Why not read our blog on tips for aspiring and ambitious engineers here. >
5. Go back to school.
Seek out courses and seminars to help you learn and develop the soft skills that are in demand in the workplace. These include clear and concise communication, creativity, ability to adapt, teamwork and collaboration, and leadership.
Many free courses are available online and via free and paid-for reading apps downloadable from your smartphone. Make a note of all the self-study courses you have completed on your CV too. This shows initiative and dedication.
6. Problem-solving and critical thinking
In the engineering field, things can change and problems can crop up at any time. You must be able to show a recruitment company that you can identify, assess and analyse complicated problems effectively and make decisions quickly and confidently.
7. Enthusiasm and commitment
Engineering recruiters want to see that you want the job, and you are motivated to make a success of your career in the field. With jobs in the industry in such high demand, it only stands to reason someone who really wants it and will be dedicated to the business should get it.
Are You Looking for New Roles in Engineering?
As an engineering recruitment agency, we have a highly skilled team of consultants, who are dedicated to providing career advice and expertise. Over the years, we’ve built excellent relationships with our clients and candidates. We’re hugely experienced in recruiting the top engineering talent.
If you would like to find out more about our services, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us today.
Alternatively, take a more in depth look at our blog to discover more interesting news and insights in the engineering world.
Next read: The Ultimate Guide to Career Development Plans. >
