Episode Transcript
Soon nominations are due for upcoming awards. Your organization’s annual awards. Or professional association awards.
Or awards for your particular engineering team or community.
Your boss wants you to help with your nomination package. But you, with a sigh and an eyeroll, are thinking this is a waste of time.
You’re thinking awards are meaningless. Just a certificate or a plaque that’ll end up in your desk drawer.
You probably won’t be selected anyway. You should really spend your time on more important work.
But maybe you should reconsider this.
Awards are a type of recognition. And recognition does many good things for you and your career. So you might not want to push such an opportunity away.
In fact, it’s a good idea for you to actively seek out recognition to boost your engineering career.
Recognition comes in many forms. It can be formal, like:
- an award
- an official appointment or designation
- your name as author on a publication.
It can be informal, like:
- a compliment from a colleague
- a shout-out from your boss to the team
- a thank-you shared by one of your leaders at a meeting
- an announcement in the company newsletter.
You can be given recognition for an accomplishment. For going above and beyond. Or for your unique skills and strengths.
It’s awesome to be recognized for who you are, the work you do, and the role you’re in.
You might think you’re not deserving of recognition. Or at least that others are more deserving.
But this isn’t really true, is it?
You might think that accepting such recognition is arrogant or boastful.
Also not true.
You’re a great engineer doing great work, and you should be recognized for that. It’s part of being a professional. And it becomes part of your career story.
What Recognition Does for You and Your Engineering Career
Recognition builds your confidence. It gives you positive feedback on your performance.
It provides affirmation and encouragement. And inspires you to continue your efforts and take on more challenge.
And that’s not all. There’s another whole set of hidden career advantages that perhaps you haven’t considered.
Recognition is a key factor in gaining credibility. When you get recognition people learn about your talents and accomplishments. And then they tend to take you more seriously.
This can lead to potential collaborations and opportunities.
When others recognize you, they’re showing that they acknowledge and appreciate – and celebrate – your work.
They’re holding you up as an example for others to follow. They’re pointing you out as a go-to person for your specialty. They’re seeing you as a role model.
Awards and other formal recognition are great for your resume. They’re a sign to managers and leaders that, not only are you competent and talented, but you’re appreciated as such by your peers and experts in the field.
Your Role in Being Recognized for Your Engineering Talent
The best way to get more informal recognition is to give more. Whether or not you work in a place that’s generous with recognition, you can get more if you give more.
Be more intentional about pointing out the good things people do and how they’re helping the team and the mission. Make it a habit to give sincere recognition and you’ll see others follow suit.
Giving recognizing to others is a great way to give back in your engineering career. And not only for informal recognition. But for awards and other formal recognition too. You can also recommend people for nominations. Or nominate them yourself.
The best way to get more formal recognition for yourself is to play a role in making it happen.
Instead of waiting to receive awards – or waiting for others to nominate you – it’s okay to be proactive.
Seek out awards that will serve you and your career. Suggest to your boss or others that they nominate you.
Then help out with nomination packages by providing input that’s impactful and will help you stand out.
You might think this is too forward or presumptuous. But actually it’s helpful for your boss or others who know you should be recognized but aren’t sure how.
And they’ll appreciate the time you save them because you’re willing to pitch in.
Don’t Underestimate the Value of Recognition in Your Engineering Career
My signature program for helping women engineers confidently command greater influence and impact is designed around 4 key pillars.
And one of those pillars is all about garnering credibility and recognition.
If you’re not getting the recognition you deserve, there are a few things you can do.
I encourage my clients to cultivate influential relationships and leverage those connections. I help them learn how to stand out. To showcase their potential and attract allies and sponsors.
They soon become respected leaders and experts known for the impact of their accomplishments.
Learn more about my signature program here.
Don’t underestimate the importance of recognition for the success of your engineering career.
Next time on Her Engineering Career Podcast our topic is trust, respect, and being taken seriously. A subject near and dear to the woman engineer. I hope you’ll join me for Episode 108.