Gut check on your career
Lawrence D. Maloney Editorial Director -- Test & Measurement World, 8/1/2003
Unemployment among engineers has soared over the last two years, and even those with jobs worry if the axe will fall. This issue contains a special feature that describes the views of Test & Measurement World
readers on careers and salaries (p. 37). We've also asked recruiter Jack O'Brien of Hire Integrity (Elgin, IL; www.hireintegrity.com) to suggest some guidelines for enhancing your career. With 20 years of experience recruiting managers and technical people for the printing, packaging, and publishing industries, O'Brien offers these thoughts for charting your career during uncertain times:
Goals aren't just for college kids. The single greatest step in managing your career is to keep a consistent set of written goals, both professional and personal, with action steps and timelines. Do this, and you will outpace 90% of your peers. The benefits will come not only in increased earnings and job satisfaction, but also in feeling a greater sense of purpose and in knowing you are in control of the direction of your life. When complications and setbacks occur, goals will get you back on track.
Find a mentor; be a mentor. We all need constant guidance in our careers by others who have been there. Find mentors within your company or outside it in technical associations or trade groups. Participate in user groups or Web discussions. These contacts can pay dividends if you find yourself affected by company cutbacks. Teaching others can also be the greatest means to learning, because you quickly discover those areas that you need to review and re-master. (Editor's note: See the winning essay in our Mentor's contest, p. 38.)
Technical expertise isn't enough. You must stay abreast of technical advances in your field, but it is equally important to hone your people and communication skills. Presentations about your firm's technical capabilities will mean increased sales, higher profits, and enhanced personal visibility. Participating in industry seminars also can help you develop a reputation for expertise in the marketplace.
Hard work doesn't guarantee advancement. Don't assume your efforts will be noticed at review time. In fact, test engineers often suffer precisely because success in the quality, test, and measurement sectors means that things hum along smoothly. You need to document your accomplishments and successes—and quantify how your work improved the company's bottom line.
Get some balance in your life. Overwork can lead to career burnout. Be sure to schedule time for family and for avocational pursuits. Outside activities can also increase your visibility to contacts who may one day ease career setbacks by suggesting alternate life choices. Many successful entrepreneurs parlayed career skills with outside interests into a second career.
Finally, says O'Brien, when the headhunter calls, listen.
Contact Lawrence D. Maloney at lmaloney@reedbusiness.com.
