It’s YOUR responsibility to take charge of your own Career . . . .
No one is going to direct your path – except you
More and more industries are requiring engineers to maintain an elevated knowledge base by keeping skills fresh and new - that means you need to stay up-to-date on the latest technology and advancements, learn outside your ME degree and be proactive. Multidisciplinary work environments are popping up everywhere and it will be important for you be able to keep up with other engineers. Here are a few focal points to keep in mind as you map your course of action. Participating in ASME can help you.
Professional Mobility ROADMAP
Understand Company Culture
- Know company vision & mission - this information is readily available on the company website
- Pay close attention to the office environment - office attire, behavior, personalities, needs
Track your own progress
- Set & prepare measurable goals and keep record of accomplishments
- Keep your boss informed
- Manage your daily schedule and workload - be organized and productive
- Stay in tuned to your industry - read industry magazines, journals and books
- Learn on your own - participate in self-study programs
- Ask for employer for training - seminars, workshops
- If there is a problem with your workload, ask your supervisor which project is his/her priority
Be Politically Savvy
- Learn how to network - introduce yourself, make contacts; help others
- Genuinely get to know co-workers, management, and clients and gain trust
- Have a positive ATTITUDE
- Learn to influence others
- Get a Mentor!
- Keep your ear to the grindstone to find out about various opportunities
Don't be afraid to be yourself - most corporations are not very interested in "yes" men
- Develop new concepts and/or ways to do things differently or better that will contribute to the bottom-line
- Make your long-term goals known - those in a position to help you advance just might.
Be Visible
- Be willing to work on assignments that are in the spotlight
- Volunteer to organize company team(s) and involvement in local events
- Submit articles for the company newsletter
- Attend all company functions - this is called "face time"
- Make presentations
- Be approachable
Necessary Credentials
- Will you need to return to school? - Identify the level and type of education required to satisfy the career-path which interests you - i.e. MBA, MS, CEU's
- Advanced education can be earned through a variety of outlets - online and classroom graduate courses, short-courses offering Continuing Education Units (CEU's) and Conferences
- Determine your motivation - some of us lack the will power to learn outside the classroom
- The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineering (PE) exams are a couple of ways to gain industry known professional credentials
- Check with your employer - many companies offer a tuition reimbursement program
- Many Associations & Group member benefits offer loans and scholarships
 Tap into ASME’s Job Coach national network of certified career coaches for one-on-one guidance with your career advancement, including performance review, prep and more.
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