What to look for in a New Position as a young engineer with 3-5 years plus experience
Here is a simple scenario of what I think is more important to look for in the next role
For now, let’s assume you have some experience in Civil Engineering and some site-based experience working on small regional roads, overpasses, roundabouts etc.
Let’s assume you have based your decision to move on because you have been doing the same sort of work for the past three years, and you want to take a role in the RAIL sector because if you gain experience in Rail, it will increase your NET worth later in your career.
Tips to Consider
- Understand the BASICS; no matter where you go, you will need to be able to Schedule work and maintain a Budget and work with people with many different personality types (This is the real challenge)
- Before departing, I would have a simple wish list, and on that wish list would be the following
- No Matter Where I go, I want to be supported properly, so If I need training, whether that’s its a platform I use or particular specific training I need to know to help me do your role better, you get it
- I would be focusing on getting a mentor from someone internally with ten years of experience in a role I would like to have one day, I would approach them after three months after evaluating who I think is the best fit for my personality and I would give it 3-6 months on trial if they agree, of course, that way you have a get out clause just in case your not getting what you want and vice versa
- If you want to be a Project manager, look for someone who has the best relationships with his/her team, watch what he or she does and write down what you like; it sounds weird, but it helps you clarify what you see as your gaps, for example, I can see he is a people person & I need to work on these skills, like most people at some stage, you might be transitioning from a detailed introverted engineer to a people-focused person, so shifting your focus from what you do to helping others do what they do, not easy
- Prepare yourself to go over and above to get this role you will need to do more than simply turn up work and apply for a role internally; it won’t be handed to you
