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ENGINEERING YOUR CAREER

Carleton University January 30, 2002 Elza Seregelyi Elza Seregelyi & Associates Inc. ENGINEERING YOUR CAREER. Job vs Employment.

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ENGINEERING YOUR CAREER

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  1. Carleton University January 30, 2002 Elza Seregelyi Elza Seregelyi & Associates Inc. ENGINEERING YOUR CAREER

  2. Job vs Employment “The modern world is on the verge of another leapin creativity and productivity, but the job is not goingto be part of tomorrow’s economic reality.” - William Bridges, Fortune, Sept.19, 1994 • Traditional full-time, permanent hiring is declining • Contract, term and self-employment is on the rise • Telecommuting becoming more widespread • Small businesses (including start-ups!) and consulting also major employment areas for engineers

  3. The "system" ?? Economic & Market forces Technology, information & knowledge EMPLOYERS YOU & ME Competitive forces Demographic & Social changes Government policies (eg. taxation, trade, immigration)

  4. Employers' Reactions Technology, information & knowledge Economic & Market forces EMPLOYERS Collaboration & externalization Flattened organizations I.T. Solutions YOU & ME Flexibility & speed Focus on skills Competitive forces Multidisciplinary teams Demographic & Social changes Government policies

  5. Surviving & Thriving EMPLOYERS Collaboration & externalization Flattened organizations Lifelong learning Career management YOU & ME Industry watch I.T. solutions Enhanced skill set Flexibility & speed Networking Focus on skills Multidisciplinary teams

  6. Employability Skills Respect others Communicate Academic skills Teamwork skills Think Work together Learn Personal management skills Positive attitudes Responsibility Adaptability Source:Conference Board of Canada

  7. Getting Skills & Experience Academic - Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates - Awards, Scholarships, Cumulative GPA/Average - Continuing education & short courses Work Experience (gains more importance later) - Co-op, internship & summer jobs - Full-time work or self-employment - Volunteer work Extra-Curricular - Leadership positions (especially if elected) - Active team or club participation - Design competitions, conferences - Community involvement - Some hobbies A variety of roles and activities is helpful in demonstrating skills, flexibility and initiative.

  8. Lifelong Learning • We learn in many different ways from many different sources: reading, listening, doing, discussing … friends, colleagues, teachers, print or online material, conferences, other experiences • Any experience can be a learning opportunity if we are open to it • We can increase learning through sharing & reflection (engineers should be doers AND thinkers) • One of the best ways to learn is to teach

  9. Fast-paced, always changing • High mobility • Rewards for critical skills, performance, responsibility and risk • Need for technical expertise plus business acumen • Pressure for 24/7 services in some areas, but flexible work options do exist • Culture varies greatly by company and individual manager or leader What’s it really like in industry? What matters most to YOU?

  10. • Increased emphasis on ability to “sell yourself” - may need time to establish credibility - personal contacts are essential • Time management critical for undertaking multiple projects • Responsible for own benefits, training, vacation time, facilities etc. • Cashflow may be uneven • Opportunity for increased personal flexibility Contract & Consulting Work Need to manage personal risk & return

  11. The most valuable employee isn’t necessarily the one who knows everything, but the one who can get things done…without stressing out the boss. “Performance” is in the eyes of the beholder – be sure you and your manager are looking through the same lens. Good relationships are the invisible currency that drives business Treat each colleague and customer as if your next job depends on it (quite possibly it will) Things I didn’t learn in school…

  12. 5. TAKE ACTION 4. DEVELOP A PLAN 3. GATHER INFORMATION 2. SET YOUR VISION 1. ASSESS YOURSELF Career Management Steps Reality check

  13. • What have been my best/worst work experiences? Why did I feel this way? What are my strengths & weaknesses? Preferences? Key motivators? Find out how others perceive you. Step One ASSESS YOURSELF

  14. • Is my personal/work life balanced? • Where is my current path taking me - am I in control of my career? • What do I want to be doing in 2, 5, 10 years? Step Two SET YOUR VISION

  15. • Where do I look? • What questions should I ask? • Benchmark your progress using both internal & external data (salary surveys, job descriptions) • Networking - how to and who with? Step Three GATHER INFORMATION

  16. • Map out several alternatives & what you need to do to achieve them (training? experience?) • Go beyond just your next job or project - what's after that? • Consider lateral (“developmental”) as well as vertical moves • Get advice - seek a mentor Step Four DEVELOP A PLAN

  17. • Talk to your manager, career counsellor, or HR representative • Get the training/expertise you need • Prepare your resumé with focus on SKILLS • Use your contacts; arrange visits, interviews, etc. Step Five TAKE ACTION

  18. BE AWARE OF YOUR CHANGING ENVIRONMENT CONTINUE TO LEARN FOR LIFE TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR CAREER

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