This is a guest post by Tiffani Teachey
Engineers often face challenges that can test their self-confidence. Whether it’s dealing with difficult problems or working with challenging team members, there are plenty of situations that can knock an engineer’s confidence down. However, there are three specific ways engineers can use to build self-confidence and come out on top: learning new skills, seeking feedback, and practicing assertiveness. In this blog post, we’ll explore each of these methods in detail and provide tips on how to put them into practice. By following these tips, you’ll be able to boost your self-confidence and become a more successful engineer.
Learning New Skills
Engineers who are confident in their skills can build self-confidence by learning new ones. An engineer’s skills are only limited by their imagination. They can learn new ones by exploring different areas and trying out various things. The world of engineering is one that constantly pushes boundaries. New materials, techniques, and skills keep coming up with different areas for engineers to explore, whether they’re looking into it deeply or simply trying out various things — there’s always room for innovation in science!
Seeking Feedback
Feedback is a great way for engineers to build their self-confidence. Feedback can come in many forms, like getting feedback on your work or asking others how they thought you did at an event. It’s important that we’re always looking outward so as not to let negative comments from other people affect our own feelings of worthiness.
Feedback is a process of giving and receiving information about how something was done. Engineers can build their self-confidence by seeking feedback from management and peers. This will help them know if they are on track with what needs to be learned at each stage in their career as well as provide opportunities for growth that may not otherwise exist without this extra layer of guidance throughout their career journey.
Practicing Assertiveness
Being an engineer often means you need to be confident in yourself. If engineers don’t feel this way, then they can build their confidence by practicing assertiveness and making sure that the right skills are being used when speaking with others or presenting projects at work meetings.
Someone who doesn’t have much experience as a result of self-confidence issues (like shyness or fearfulness about public speaking ability) — but wants to correct these weaknesses — should take steps toward improving themselves and not just wait around patiently hoping things will change on their own. This means being direct and honest when you need something changed or denied so that it doesn’t become an issue later on. Many people have a fear or dislike for saying “no” because they believe this will make them look weak, but in reality, all eyes should be on how well one handles themselves professionally.
There are many different ways to build self-confidence, but the three outlined here should be a good starting point for engineers. Engineers can learn new skills, can seek feedback, and can practice assertiveness. What techniques have worked well for you? Share them in the comments below or on our social media pages. We’d love to hear from you!
About the Author
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, STEM advocate, professional speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z” and two women empowerment books. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, as well as a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management, both from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. As an engineer with more than 16 years of experience, Tiffani has a passion for inspiring the next generation to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com.
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To your success,
Anthony Fasano, PE, LEED AP
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
