TECC 137: How to Make Career Changes in Your Engineering Career

In this session of The Engineering Career Coach Podcast I am going to answer questions from our listeners on how to make career changes or shifts in your engineering career. Engineering Quotes: Here are the summary of questions and answers about career changes that we’ve discussed in this session: Question: I would like to know what I can do to get a job in an international firm? Answer: Make sure you have the right credentials. Do your research on companies that work internationally, and build your network around those people. Use LinkedIn to build your network around firms that do international work. Reach out to your Alumni association for engineers that works internationally . Question: I had thoughts of pursuing a Master's degree in an effort to not only increase my knowledge in a specific topic, but also to grow my business network. However, a Master's degree from a good University costs a lot of money that I can't afford to pay right now. So, I thought that it would be better if I tried to take an exam to become a Chartered Engineer. What is your opinion about that? Answer: Yes, do it. A prestigious engineering credential will broaden your opportunities. The more you grow your resume/credentials, the more the opportunities will expand. Question: I am considering to apply for a job as a volunteer engineer in organizations like "Bridges to Prosperity." I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to grow my network and meet like-minded people. What are your opinions about this? Answer: Yes, do this. This will again only broaden your network as well as your opportunities. Question: Do you think that if I complete my Master's and PhD in education, it will be a wise career path? Is there a good opportunity to find a job later? Answer: Evaluate the benefits of getting your masters and PhD as it takes a lot of time. Before you get the degree, gain some experience in the field first, because you don’t want to jump into anything without knowing that you really want to do it. Before you make career changes, think about your goals and your long-term vision of your career. Invest your time and efforts into the credentials that are going to help you get there as soon as possible. Question: I'm looking to make a switch from the field to design. I would like to know what the basic procedures are that a civil design engineer is expected to know to make up for the time lost? Answer: It depends on your specific discipline. Before you make career changes, find a mentor in your field that can help you put together a plan for learning and getting up to speed on what you will need in order to become a good design engineer in your region. Check with your local associations and see if they can match you up with someone. Question: I'm currently enrolled in Aerospace Engineering but considering switching to Mechatronics Engineering. This field seems kind of neat. My question is does companies such as NASA, BOEING, GE, etc. hire Mechatronics Engineers? Answer: Do not make a career decision, just because it sounds neat to you. Find out if this job is sustainable. Do some research on their website and try to find an engineer that works there and that has that discipline. Check with the Alumni association and see if they have someone that graduated in that career and find out where they are working. If what you are doing is not moving you towards your goals, then it’s moving you away from your goals – Bria...