Episode Transcript
Part of the reason you accepted the engineering job you have is its growth potential.
Because of the possibility and the likelihood that you’ll be able to take on more challenging roles and move up in the organization.
You’re picturing how you can do more leadership tasks. And grow as a leader.
And you’re embracing the idea of career ownership to make that happen.
We talked about ownership just recently in Episode 139. But also in Episodes 34, 96 and 115.
When you’re stretching into your leadership role, half of that effort is ownership. Half of the effort is taking charge of your career and steering it in the direction you desire.
And the other half is opportunity.
Here’s the Thing About Opportunity in Your Engineering Career
Some people are handed opportunities. Some people naturally fall upon opportunities.
You know some of these people. Maybe you are one yourself.
But most of us have to put ourselves in the way of opportunity.
You have to first be aware of opportunity. And second maneuver yourself to take advantage of it.
This takes some effort and intention on your part.
Depending on where you work, mentors and leaders may be tuned into opportunity for you.
They may draw your attention to it. And give you recommendations and advice about it.
And this can be very helpful.
Or they may not do this at all. Because they’re not focused on that as part of their job. Or because they’re stretched too thin.
Either way, you can’t rely on others entirely. You can’t rely on others to bring you the right opportunities.
Because as much as you like to think people know what you want, people don’t really know exactly what you want.
They make assumptions. And those assumptions may not be correct.
How to Take Advantage of Opportunity in Your Engineering Career
So here are some examples of how you can become aware of opportunity in your engineering career. And then put yourself in the way of it.
Depending on your personality, these approaches may or may not come easy to you.
If not, I can give you more guidance. Sign up for a strategy session with me. And I can help you find the ways that work for you.
I know it’s easy to get so involved in your work that you don’t think to look for opportunities.
You get so absorbed in doing your current job well that you forget to look up and see what’s next.
This is where I remind you that your career is more important than your job.
You’re the owner of your career. And it’s up to you to be on the lookout.
Make yourself aware of opportunity by:
- Having a good network and influential relationships.
- Paying attention to your organization’s status and plans. Like, what products or processes, they’re investing in. What customers, technologies or initiatives they’re prioritizing.
- Noticing who’s getting promoted where. How departments are shifting or reorganizing. And what positions or roles are opening up.
- Paying attention to your technology area in the community – at local, regional and global levels.
- Staying up to date with professional societies, journals and other media.
Actions for Leveraging Engineering Career Opportunities
Becoming aware of opportunity in your engineering career is just the first step.
Next you need to take action.
Make a physical move to put yourself in the way of opportunity and leverage it.
Here are 7 ways to put yourself in the way of opportunity:
- Practice your career messaging. Let people know about you. What impact you’re having and what you’re interested in.
- Find where your energetic center fits. Find ways that your strengths and skills and passion can apply and be of service.
- Leverage your connections. Ask for information and introductions and leads.
- Let your boss and mentors know your career vision and specifically what you want to do next.
- Make direct contact with people who control or influence opportunities you’re interest in.
- Participate in activities or projects related to the opportunities you’re interested in.
- Prepare yourself to be eligible and to compete for the opportunities you’re interested in.
For example: Become familiar with the expectations. Talk to people in that area. Take relevant training.
It’s not enough to wait for opportunities to come to you.
They will, of course.
But only if you’re seeking them. If you’re watching for them and ready to receive them.
And rather than hoping each opportunity doesn’t pass you by. Put yourself in the way, and make that opportunity happen.
The more proactive you are about this the more opportunities you’ll be able to take advantage of in the course of your career.
You’ll move farther down your career path overall. Making a difference. And increasing the likelihood of fulfilling your dream career.
Next time on Her Engineering Career Podcast we’ll explore procrastination and ways to ease the pressure of your engineering project deadlines.
Be sure to join me for Episode 142.
