ENGINEERING YOUR CAREER

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ENGINEERING YOUR CAREER

• Carleton University
• January 30, 2002
• Elza Seregelyi
• Elza Seregelyi Associates Inc.

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The modern world is on the verge of another
leapin creativity and productivity, but the job
is not goingto be part of tomorrows economic
reality. - William
Bridges, Fortune, Sept.19, 1994
Job vs Employment

• Traditional full-time, permanent hiring is
  declining
• Contract, term and self-employment is on the
  rise
• Telecommuting becoming more widespread
• Small businesses (including start-ups!) and
  consulting also major employment areas for
  engineers

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The "system"
??
Economic Market forces
Technology, information knowledge
EMPLOYERS
YOU ME
Competitive forces
Demographic Social changes
Government policies (eg. taxation, trade,
immigration)
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Employers' Reactions
Technology, information knowledge
Economic Market forces
EMPLOYERS
Collaboration externalization
Flattened organizations
I.T. Solutions
YOU ME
Flexibility speed
Focus on skills
Competitive forces
Multidisciplinary teams
Demographic Social changes
Government policies
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Surviving Thriving
EMPLOYERS
Collaboration externalization
Flattened organizations
Lifelong learning
Career management
YOU ME
Industry watch
I.T. solutions
Enhanced skill set
Flexibility speed
Networking
Focus on skills
Multidisciplinary teams
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Employability Skills
Respect others
Communicate
Academic skills
Teamwork skills
Think
Work together
Learn
Personal management skills
Positive attitudes
Responsibility
Adaptability
SourceConference Board of Canada
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Getting Skills Experience
Academic - Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates -
Awards, Scholarships, Cumulative GPA/Average -
Continuing education short courses
Work Experience (gains more importance later) -
Co-op, internship summer jobs - Full-time work
or self-employment - Volunteer work
Extra-Curricular - Leadership positions
(especially if elected) - Active team or club
participation - Design competitions,
conferences - Community involvement - Some
hobbies
A variety of roles and activities is helpful in
demonstrating skills, flexibility and initiative.
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Lifelong Learning

• We learn in many different ways from many
  different sources reading, listening, doing,
  discussing friends, colleagues, teachers, print
  or online material, conferences, other
  experiences
• Any experience can be a learning opportunity if
  we are open to it
• We can increase learning through sharing
  reflection (engineers should be doers AND
  thinkers)
• One of the best ways to learn is to teach

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Whats it really like in industry?

• Fast-paced, always changing
• High mobility
• Rewards for critical skills, performance,
  responsibility and risk
• Need for technical expertise plus business acumen
• Pressure for 24/7 services in some areas, but
  flexible work options do exist
• Culture varies greatly by company and individual
  manager or leader

What matters most to YOU?
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Contract Consulting Work

• Increased emphasis on ability to sell
  yourself - may need time to establish
  credibility - personal contacts are essential
• Time management critical for undertaking
  multiple projects
• Responsible for own benefits, training,
  vacation time, facilities etc.
• Cashflow may be uneven
• Opportunity for increased personal flexibility

Need to manage personal risk return
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Things I didnt learn in school

• The most valuable employee isnt necessarily the
  one who knows everything, but the one who can get
  things donewithout stressing out the boss.
• Performance is in the eyes of the beholder be
  sure you and your manager are looking through the
  same lens.
• Good relationships are the invisible currency
  that drives business
• Treat each colleague and customer as if your next
  job depends on it (quite possibly it will)

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Career Management Steps
Reality check
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Step One
ASSESS YOURSELF

• What have been my best/worst work experiences?
  Why did I feel this way?
• What are my strengths weaknesses? Preferences?
  Key motivators?
• Find out how others perceive you.

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Step Two
SET YOUR VISION

• Is my personal/work life balanced?
• Where is my current path taking me - am I in
  control of my career?
• What do I want to be doing in 2, 5, 10 years?

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Step Three
GATHER INFORMATION

• Where do I look?
• What questions should I ask?
• Benchmark your progress using both internal
  external data (salary surveys, job descriptions)
• Networking - how to and who with?

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Step Four
DEVELOP A PLAN

• Map out several alternatives what you need to
  do to achieve them (training? experience?)
• Go beyond just your next job or project -
  what's after that?
• Consider lateral (developmental) as well as
  vertical moves
• Get advice - seek a mentor

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Step Five
TAKE ACTION

• Talk to your manager, career counsellor, or HR
  representative
• Get the training/expertise you need
• Prepare your resumé with focus on SKILLS
• Use your contacts arrange visits, interviews,
  etc.

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BE AWARE OF YOUR CHANGING ENVIRONMENT
CONTINUE TO LEARN FOR LIFE
TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR CAREER