How to Be a Successful Engineer
Engineering is a great job that can be very rewarding and provide a substantial income. There are many types of engineers who work in many fields, so there is a lot of variety in employment options once you attain an engineering degree from an accredited university.
Part1
EditStaying Current
- 1Do outside research. Engineering, like most science-related fields, is a profession that is constantly evolving. To be a good engineer, it is important to stay current with what is happening in the field. Read articles on the internet related to the kind of engineering you practice. Subscribe to engineering related magazines (like Engineering[1],Mechanical Engineering[2], or Engineering and Technology[3]) and read them. It will impress your boss if you are aware of developing trends in your field.
- 2Work on extra projects. Staying current means practicing the science. Work on an idea you have outside of work. Or ask your boss if you can try something new on a project. Being innovative is essential in engineering since it is a field that is always developing.
- If you have an exceptionally innovative idea, you can apply for prestigious grants offered by various organizations that support this kind of work – like those offered by the National Science Foundation.[4]
- 3Publish. Write a paper on a particularly interesting project you’re working on or an innovative idea you’ve had and submit it to a scholarly engineering magazine or journal. Scientists often write academic articles about their work and publish them. This is a great way to establish yourself as a successful engineer.
Part2
EditStaying Organized
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1Keep track of your schedule carefully. Make a schedule for yourself and follow it diligently. You must have a schedule listing all your hours of work and important meetings. Significant dates should be written down as well. Days off, holidays, and overtime hours should be notated too.
- 2Keep your workspace tidy. Sometimes engineers’ workspaces can get overcrowded, whether you’re dealing with a lot of paperwork or a bunch of pieces of equipment for a new project you’re designing. It is important to keep everything in its place so you know where to find things when you need them and so your workspace will reflect positively on you as an employee (and as an engineer).
- 3Respond to emails in a timely manner. Engineering work often involves a lot of communication with other people or departments. Progress can be halted when you have to wait for responses from various people. Try to respond to your emails as quickly as possible.
- When possible, try to communicate with your colleagues face to face. This will save on time and reduce the margin for error or misunderstanding.
Part3
EditBeing Successful in the Workplace
- 1Listen to your colleagues. Science-related fields depend on innovation to move forward; innovation requires teamwork and dedication. In order to be successful in your career as an engineer, you must be able to work well with your peers, listen to their ideas, and collaborate on projects together.
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2Be on time. Showing up on time reflects on your diligence and loyalty to the job. It will show the supervisors and managers that you are dedicated. Being viewed as a loyal and dedicated employee is an important part of being a successful engineer.
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3Attend meetings. Make sure you show up to every meeting, even if they aren’t required. Attending all the meetings may not always be fun. But it can improve your relationship and status with everyone at the workplace. It shows you are dedicated to your job and to the company that employs you.
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4Be friendly. Make new friends at your workplace. You should meet new work associates at your job. This is a good way to get known at your work place. Try to get to know the supervisors or managers. This will open up opportunities for you whenever there is an open position available. You need to move up in your work place if you want to be really successful.
sources : https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Successful-Engineer