Accelerate your career by building a network of supporters.
The engineering industry is at an impasse in the UK. With fewer engineers entering the workforce each year, there’s an annual shortfall of 59,000 graduates and technicians required to fill essential roles. On top of that, 62% of employers say new hires don’t have the necessary skills. Schools and universities aren’t doing enough to prepare graduates to enter the workforce, they say. So, whose responsibility is it to close this skills gap?
I believe it’s up to us to take responsibility. Engineers need to take control of their own careers, master technical skills and sharpen soft ones like communication, collaboration and problem solving. The best way to accelerate your career—and aid in future advancement for the field of engineering as a whole—is to harness the power of your network. After all, it’s not only what you know, but also who you know that matters.
Build your network
Investing in your network can help you stay on top of industry trends, improve your technical and interpersonal skills and learn best practices. It can also open the door to job opportunities. If you’re new to the industry, you might be surprised to learn you already have connections you can call on. Consider your former classmates and professors, alumni networks and student associations.
Once you’ve tapped into these networks, expand your reach even further by:
● Attending conferences, training sessions and webinars inside and outside of your organisation to meet new people and develop your skills.
● Finding a mentor who can give you the tools and support you need to take the next step in your career.
● Joining a professional network—like The Future of Engineering—to meet working engineers who have the knowledge and experience to help.
Learn more about the benefits of networking by downloading my free ebook, How Women Engineers are Changing the World.
Ask for more
For some, the concept of networking can strike fear. It can feel awkward, embarrassing or even uncomfortable to approach someone you know (or don’t know) and ask for something in return. Rather than settle for less, allow yourself to ask for more. This is the main point of Alexandra Carter’s book, Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything, and the basis for next month’s webinar, Negotiation Strategies for Engineers , available exclusively for The Future of Engineering members.
In this free, live webinar for members, you’ll learn Alexandra’s 10-step methodology for successful negotiation, and get the tools and support you need to take the reins and steer your career.
Are you ready to connect with other engineers and advance your career? Join us at The Future of Engineering for our monthly free, live webinars and learn how to become a skilled negotiator in our next month’s live training for members. Register here.
Innovating through engineering
The Future of Engineering is an active network of professional engineers from a wide variety of industries. Together, we’re helping to close the engineering skills gap by sharing knowledge and resources, and equipping each other with the tools to make an impact in our organisations and communities. We’re on a mission to create innovative, sustainable solutions that inspire the next generation.
Create valuable connections, expand your professional network and gain access to more monthly training sessions with industry experts by joining The Future of Engineering today. Explore membership options.
