Episode Transcript
You have so many unknowns in your life and work. It can be overwhelming at times.
Many things in your engineering career are unknowns. Like,
- The future state of your job.
- Exactly how your experience will pan out.
- What roles will be available to match your strengths and skills.
There are outside factors that are beyond your control too.
They can change your outlook. Or that of your employer.
They may be political, cultural or technical factors.
They may be family, financial or community factors.
These are the kinds of unknowns that are always there.
How to Stay Adaptable to Whatever Happens in Your Engineering Career
As an engineer you work to find solutions to unknowns all the time.
As an engineer you want answers.
But when it comes to your engineering career, some things are always unknowable.
It’s good to be aware of these unknowables. But how do you keep them from bumping up your stress? Or bogging you down in fear?
Turns out there are things you can do.
And they all come down to being reasonably prepared for various outcomes.
Being open to the possibilities.
If you can stay agile and adaptable to whatever happens, you’ll have more success in your career.
So today I thought I would provide some insight into how you can do that. I’ll share with you 5 ways to help you navigate the unknowables in your engineering career.
5 Ways to Be Prepared for the Unknowns in Your Engineering Career
Envision what you want and keep your eye on that prize. And build your ability to do the following:
- Practice a fluid approach to career planning.
Revise your vision as necessary. Or revise how you will realize it.
Pay attention to trends and happenings in your field and area of expertise. And align yourself with changing needs and opportunities.
- Find ways to develop next-level skills in the work you’re doing right now.
If you’re next career move is unexpectedly delayed, take this time to learn something new where you are.
If your opportunity window is suddenly closed, make a shift in your current job that’ll keep your work challenging. And prepare you for the next best thing.
You don’t want to stay in the same place too long.
But you can always get creative and make more out of your current job until the right time or opportunity appears.
- Consider future roles that don’t even exist yet.
As you look for roles that align with your energetic center, it may be that your best role has yet to be created.
And you can be proactive in making that happen.
Find different ways you can match your skills and strengths – and your vision – to the needs of your employer.
Then talk to influential people about how to make your new role a reality.
- Go with the flow in today’s dynamic workplace.
I’m a person who likes things to be familiar and predictable. Maybe you’re like that too.
But one of the best decisions I’ve made in recent years is to have more of a go-with-the-flow attitude.
To practice being open and more willing to take things as they come.
It builds your confidence by easing the stress of the unknown.
And, for me, it opens a whole new world that I was previously resisting.
- Be comfortable with less clarity about the future.
I feel like we’ve all had to get better at this in recent years.
But it’s a good overall skill to have as an engineer. And a good skill for mastering your engineering career.
Being prepared for the unknowns is one of the keys to career success. One of the key characteristics for successful engineers and leaders.
Master this and you’ll be more confident and resilient. Less stressed and risk averse.
Master this and you’ll be a great leader, mentor and role model.
Master this and you’ll be eager to stretch into your next role. To realize your vision and your dream career.
Allow me to help you with your approach to navigating all the unknowables in your engineering career.
With the right guidance you can eliminate this as a sticking point in your forward progress.
Sign up for a strategy session with me and we can work together on a tailored plan for your career mastery.
Next time on Her Engineering Career Podcast we’ll revisit career care for engineers with some updated tips and insights. Be sure to tune in for Episode 136.