A lot of people with a love of technology end up doing a degree in engineering. But make no mistake about it, although you’ll hear about the severe shortage of engineers, it’s not necessarily the case when it comes to tech. And just because you land on your feet with a good starting job after you are qualified, it doesn’t mean you are set for life.
In fact, in many cases, by the time you finish your degree, there’s every chance what you learned is old news already. With technology moving so quickly, if you aren’t learning as much as possible and keeping up a self-improvement strategy, there’s every chance you will fall behind when it comes to finding suitable roles.
So the big question for anyone out there who is working in technology and engineering is, how can you keep on getting better? We’ve scoured the web and come up with a few simple ideas – let’s take a closer look.
Learn about business
First and foremost, you might think your engineering skills are valuable, but if you can combine them with sound business knowledge, you can make yourself indispensable. Learning how companies work, the best ways to keep costs down, and identifying areas where you could increase profits is like gold dust to business owners. So, seek out learning outside of your engineering, develop excellent soft skills, and become more business oriented.
Try an MBA
One of the ways you can get these critical skills is by continuing your education. An engineering MBA could lead to a position in a huge range of different fields. Many MBA graduates end up working as product managers, operations managers, and even Chief Financial Officers of tech companies. It’s not a bad idea to take an MBA if you are planning on starting a business – the advanced courses often contain everything you need to know about running a business, from keeping your employees productive through to leading managers.
Join a society or trade body
Don’t rely on your qualifications and personality to keep you in work, either. As we mentioned in the intro, it won’t be enough unless you are fortunate. Make sure you are participating in any courses offered by your employer, and join your field’s society or trade body. Many offer excellent courses which will help you keep on top of every professional learning opportunity going.
Find a coach or mentor
As a tech engineering type, you are probably used to working by yourself. It’s necessary at times, but you don’t have to go it alone. Look for a coach or mentor to act as a guide, offer you support, and give you incredibly valuable advice. Some people are happy to mentor others for nothing, while others may charge a fee – either way, they can help you learn everything you need to know about meeting new challenges and delivering tough assignments.
Are you forging a career in tech engineering? If so, how do you keep up to speed? Let us know in the comments section below!
