All you engineering majors know that if you are hitting the job market after graduation, the “real world” is bound to hold a few surprises. Industry isn’t like college, i.e., you don't pay them; they pay you—and expect a lot in return. Projects don’t neatly wrap up at the end of the semester. In fact, not all the stuff you learn in college will apply to that job you hope to get one day. Here, we talk about what to expect and offer tips to help you ...
Get Ready ...
Academic priorities are different from those of the working world. As an undergrad, you focus on the pursuit of technical knowledge. But once you land that first job, oral and written communication usually trumps technical expertise. So, if you haven’t graduated yet, take a course in technical writing or public speaking. The day your future employer asks you to craft your first power point presentation you’ll be glad you did.
Get Set ...
Being prepared is crucial to finding the right job. Each company has its own ethos and hires accordingly. So, begin by researching those firms that might appreciate your talents. Assessing whether you and your skills are right for the job and the firm ups your chances of finding a company where you can grow.
If you’ve done your homework well, all those resumes you send out will yield interviews. Once you begin pounding the pavement, it’s important to dress well. (If your peers rib you about how uncomfortable you must feel, you’ve succeeded). And, remember to bring your senior project. Well-written design projects showing logical thinking have convinced me to hire more than a few young engineers.
Brushing up on the company is also critical. Speaking knowledgeably about what you would like to do there if hired will impress the interviewer and show you’ve thought about what you could bring to the table. The best employees are those who contribute to the company's short- and long-term well-being. Convincing an interviewer that you have what it takes should be your goal.
Once you do, it’s time to weigh the offers. Starting salaries for engineering graduates vary, but they average around $50,000 a year, $48,000 for mechanical engineers. While it’s possible a great job might be offered at less, a below-market rate may signal problems in the company. A job that pays too well, can be a problem, too, if you are overqualified. In short, any mismatch can affect your future with the firm and your ability to get a better position elsewhere. Twenty years ago, a competent engineer often worked for the same employer his or her entire career. Today, an engineer may have a new employer every three to five years.
Fit is just as important as pay. Look at the company’s longstanding employees. If you find them impressive, then chances are you’ll be successful there too. Conversely, if something about the company has you uneasy, then take your time and listen to your gut. The bottom line: Visualize where you want to be in 10 or 20 years. Then evaluate whether the job offered will help you get there.
Get to Work
In today's tough economy, you may have worked so hard to get your job that you already need a vacation. Understandable... but there’s no rest for the weary or just hired! Your first order of business after getting your photo ID is showing your boss and everyone else they were right to give the job to you.
That may be tough if you are facing a steep learning curve. Relax. You don’t have to be a genius to succeed. If managers thought you were, they might be intimidated. Rather, it’s likely you were hired because you demonstrated the aptitude to learn.
Getting along well with others can make up for whatever you lack in know-how. Being pleasant—not taking political sides; treating everyone with equal respect—will make people want to help you succeed. Most important of all: demonstrating you are motivated to get up to speed so you can contribute to the company's long-term well-being.
One way to send that signal is to use your downtime well. Instead of playing computer games, calling friends, or surfing the net, use any spare moments to learn about the company and what other people in the firm do. Curiosity about how your role fits within the bigger picture shows initiative. Who knows, you might even get ideas about how to do your job better.
When it comes down to it, if you want to move ahead, it’s all about exceeding expectations. Though only five percent typically get this rating in their performance appraisals, you’ll have a better shot at being one of the few if you make it your goal.
Instead of playing computer games, calling friends, or surfing the net, use any spare moments to learn about the company and what other people in the firm do.
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