Episode Transcript
Your engineering career is in good shape when you have your next step in mind.
This is one of the 5 indicators that we talked about back in Episode 96. Indicators that your engineering career is headed for awesomeness.
When you know what your next step is – or at least have an idea what it’ll be.
That keeps your career moving.
I know. The last thing you want to think about after you take on a new engineering position is what your next one’s gonna be.
You’re just settling in and now you need to think about moving on?
Yes, that’s exactly what I’m suggesting.
But it doesn’t have to be stressful.
If you make it part of your career routine, it actually makes things run smoother.
Knowing your next step keeps your career moving and brings you closer to your potential as an engineer and leader.
What to Consider Regarding Your Next Engineering Career Move
Here are 5 things to consider regarding your next step:
- Your Energetic Center – We talk about your energetic center a lot. So it’s no surprise it’s at the top of the list.
Learn more about your energetic center in Episode 22. Know yourself. Your values, skills, strengths and passion.
And use this to lead you down the right career path.
- Your Career Vision – This encompasses your dream career and reaching your career potential.
It’s an expression of your big self and how you want to make your contribution in the world.
Update your career vision and make sure it’s aligned with your energetic center.
- Your Promotion Potential – Take into account where you are in your career. Is it time for a career leap?
Push to your promotion potential. Avoid being stuck at the same level too long.
Or trading challenge for comfort.
- Your Area of Expertise – Consider what’s emerging as your area of expertise.
And continue to build on this. Raise your level of expertise by going deeper into your preferred topic area.
Or by going wider.
- Options for Detours – It may be a good time to take a detour from your career path and explore something new or different.
Consider options such as interim positions or broadening assignments.
Ways to Get to the Next Step in Your Engineering Career
Depending on your current status, you may be deciding your next step, planning it, or actually acting on it.
Let’s take a closer look at these 3 cases.
- Deciding what you’d like to do next.
If you don’t know what your next step should be, focus on making that decision.
If you have no idea what you want to do next, simply be on the lookout.
With your vision in mind, come up with one or two ideas that appeal to you.
This means be on the lookout. Pay attention to what you’d like to do and how you want to challenge yourself.
Be aware of what’s available. And select possible jobs or responsibilities that feel right for you.
Once you’re on the lookout you’ll start to notice things. Possibilities and opportunities.
People who do similar work. And people who can connect you.
Gradually your idea will grow and coalesce and become more enticing.
- Planning the best way to get to your next step.
If you already have a good idea of what you’d like to do next, start moving in that direction.
Start planning for how you can make it a reality.
Advocate for yourself by sharing your career message.
Use the Magic 4 to let others know the contribution you’re making now and where you plan to go next.
Make connections with people who know people. And with people who work where you want to work.
Ask questions. Find out who the decision makers are and how you can become part of their team.
Get mentorship and guidance to learn about your next step and how you can leverage your strengths to be successful there.
Be sure not to spend too much time planning. You don’t need total clarity before you act.
- Taking action and pursuing your next step.
If you already know more specifically what you want to do next, take action.
Talk directly to the people who can help make your next step happen.
Make sure the right people know you want this opportunity. And apply for the job when it comes open.
Or push to create the position if it doesn’t actually exist.
If there’s an interview, prepare yourself well. A successful interview is within reach because the job you’re interviewing for is so well-aligned with you.
Don’t wait until you feel totally ready to make the move. And don’t worry if you’re leaving your current jobsooner than you thought.
Your Next Engineering Career Move is Easier When You’re Ready for It.
Opportunities to take your next step can’t always be predicted. So you need to be ready.
They don’t always come available in the way you expect either.
But if you’ve already been thinking about it and planning for it, you’ll be a step ahead when it’s time to take action.
And when it’s part of your routine to be ready for your next step, each career move becomes much easier.
If you need some help with that, we can talk more about your development plan, your career trajectory and your ideas for next steps in a strategy session. Sign up here.
Be ready for your next step so you can move farther faster down the path toward your engineering dream career.
Next time on Her Engineering Career Podcast we’ll feature a favorite topic from our Listener’s Choice. Be sure to tune in for Episode 132.
