This article is part of our exclusive career advice series in partnership with IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society.
When thinking of influencers, you might initially think of people with large social media followings who have the ability to influence people who care about fashion, fitness, or food.
However, the people closest to you can influence the success you achieve in your early days Professional life In ways that impact your professional journey. These influencers include you, your management, colleagues, and family.
Take control of your career
You are – or should be – the most prominent influencer in your career. Fortunately, you are the one with the most control.
Your ability to solve engineering problems is a determining factor in your career growth. The world of technology is constantly evolving, so you need to stay on top of the latest developments in your specialty. You should also make it a priority to learn about related technical fields, as it can help you understand more and advance faster.
Another trait that can influence your career path is your personality. How comfortable are you in facing embarrassing or difficult situations? What are your willingness to accept risk levels when making commitments? What’s your Communication style With your peers and management? Do you prefer routine or difficult tasks? How interested are you in working with people from different backgrounds and cultures? Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
Most of these questions have no right or wrong answers, but how you answer them can help you chart your way.
At the same time, be aware of the impression you make on others. How do you want them to think of you?
How you present yourself is important, and is within your control. Lead with confidence about your abilities, but don’t be afraid to ask for help or ask questions to learn more. You want to be confident, but if you can’t ask for help or admit when you’re wrong, you will struggle to form good relationships with your colleagues and management.
Learn about your company’s leadership
Your supervisor, manager, and immediate company leaders can influence your career. Much depends on your willingness to show initiative, accept difficult work, and be dedicated to the team.
Don’t forget it’s a job, and you won’t stay in your first role forever.
Develop a good business relationship with your manager while being aware of the power dynamic. Learn to communicate with the manager; What works for one leader may not work for another. Like all of us, managers have their idiosyncrasies. Accept them and be aware of yourself.
If your supervisor is making unachievable performance requirements, don’t immediately consider it a red flag. These stretch assignments can be growth opportunities, provided there is an environment of trust. But beware of bosses who become possessive and prevent you from accepting other opportunities within the organization instead of seeing you as an investment in talent.
Make it a priority to get to know your company’s leadership. How does the business work? What are the company’s top priorities and values, and why?
Find out the goals of the organization and your department. Learn how budgets are allocated and adjusted. Understand how engineering and technology departments work with marketing, system integration, manufacturing, and other groups.
Companies vary in structure, business models, industry sectors, financial health, and many other aspects. The insight you gain from your managers is valuable to you, both in your current organization and with future employers.
Form strong relationships with co-workers
Take the time to understand your colleagues, who may be facing similar issues. Try to learn something about the people you spend most of your day trying to solve technical problems with. What do you have in common? How do your skills complement each other?
You should also develop social connections with your colleagues—which can enrich your life after work and help you bond over job-related issues.
your Young professionalyou may not fully understand the industry in which the employer operates. A strong collaborative relationship with more experienced colleagues can help you learn about customer needs, available products and services, competitors, market share, regulations and technical standards.
By becoming more aware of your voice, you may come up with ideas for new performances and find ways to develop your skills.
Family relationships are important
You are responsible for your career, but the happiness and well-being of those close to you should be part of your life’s reckoning. Individual family-related circumstances – a partner’s job, parents’ health or children’s needs – can influence your career decisions.
Your health and career path are also part of the whole. Remember: Your career is part of your life, not everything. Find a way to balance your career, life and family.
Planning your next steps
As engineers and technicians, our work is not just a way to earn a living but also a source of fulfillment, social connections, and intellectual challenge. Where do you want to be professionally in 5, 10 or 15 years? Do you see yourself as an expert in key technical areas that drive large, effective programs? Director or senior executive? businessman?
If you haven’t made your goals and preferences clear, that’s okay. You are early in your career, and it is natural for you to figure out what you want. But if so, you should think about what you need to learn before planning your next steps.
Whatever your path forward, you can tap into influencers in your career — people who challenge you, teach you, and make you think about what you want.
