If you are a Graduate Engineer, focus on blending the technical with your communications skills so you Future proof your career.
I consider communication, Verbal skills used in Meetings and with clients, friends etc. and the office in general, active listening skills, written communications (reports etc.) and body language (non-verbal) etc. I am sure there are more.
Some ideas to consider
1. Keep up with trends and attend relevant associations, for example, the concrete council, timber council for Structural engineers, AWA – Australian water association, AIRAH for HVAC enthusiasts etc. a few examples, join something and be ACTIVE
2. Listen to what employers need of you and start working on how to develop these skills
3. Do not complete a course simply to put it on my resume
4. Graduates to senior Engineers do better in an environment they enjoy; like all professionals, find that thing you like and master it.
Then attend associations and councils, which helps you extend your network; it also makes you feel like you are part of a much bigger picture.
5. People prefer dealing with people who are stable and STAY Put; they are more reliable, and you will find people migrate towards you, which in turn helps you build your network
6. Keep your EGO in check. Become a people person, ask questions of others, get to know each in your office, and with your clients, act like a champion team and not a team of champions; if you see someone in the office you do not know, reach out to them and make their day, and remember, DO NOT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER, we are all different, and we all bring something to the table, so use it to your advantage
Mark Healy, the Graduate Coach
