In this session of The Engineering Career Coach Podcast, I help a young engineer create a plan to transition from one engineering discipline to another.
It is normal for engineers, at some point in their careers, to want to try something different. This usually requires transitioning from one discipline to another, such as from water resources to structural. While making this move can be exciting, it can also be extremely difficult. This session serves to simplify it.
“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy
The career-changing tip at the end of the show will challenge you to think outside of the box in your engineering career and shake things up a bit!
Listen to this session and learn:
How to get clear on your “why” when switching disciplines and why this is so important
How professional associations can help you make the transition
How to find people in the field you are interested in to help you make the transition
Ways to find out about the best credentials to obtain in the industry you are breaking into
How to get the information you need from people in the industry you are moving into
Ways to use LinkedIn to assist with the transition
Resources and links mentioned in this session include:
Anthony Fasano, PE, LEED AP
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
2 Responses
Thank you very much for sharing this podcast. I was in Ben’s shoes 3 years back and it takes a strong person to be honest in following his/her passion.I am a qualified Chemical Engineer and has been always drawn into Human Development Projects as the results I felt so miserable in technical aspects of Chemical/Process Engineering.I worked for one of South Africa’s Gas-to-Liquid Petroleum industries and could not wait for my two year contract to end in December 2011.I stayed with NO job for the whole of 2012 and it was the most difficult year of my career life but I had peace because I had more time to reflect on my passion and purpose hence I initiated the following initiative: http://www.dispatchlive.co.za/news/engineer-guides-matrics-to-better-results/
I realized that my passion is in Corporate Social Investments Projects ,even though I had more than 8 years work experience in Automotive,Pharmaceuticals and Petroleum I was never fulfilled and excelled as the results I never got any promotion because I believe a person becomes productive in an area that s/he is interested in.
In 2013 took an internship job in Human Capital Solutions division within Government entity and they paid for my postgraduate qualification in Management. So I agree with Anthony that you must make a sacrifice in order to achieve some of your career goals and NEVER put yourself in a box.I always joke and tell people that I regard myself as a Social engineer instead of Chemical Engineer!
To you Ben,please let me know if you decide to pack your things and come discover your true passion of helping others here in South Africa. Believe you me someone with your background and deep interest to change other people lives will be a huge Blessing here in Africa. I will be honestly willing to host you until you get sorted should you consider this option later in your life (you can chat with me on [email protected]).
Goodluck in your Career Journey and decision making process!
2 Responses
Thank you very much for sharing this podcast. I was in Ben’s shoes 3 years back and it takes a strong person to be honest in following his/her passion.I am a qualified Chemical Engineer and has been always drawn into Human Development Projects as the results I felt so miserable in technical aspects of Chemical/Process Engineering.I worked for one of South Africa’s Gas-to-Liquid Petroleum industries and could not wait for my two year contract to end in December 2011.I stayed with NO job for the whole of 2012 and it was the most difficult year of my career life but I had peace because I had more time to reflect on my passion and purpose hence I initiated the following initiative:
http://www.dispatchlive.co.za/news/engineer-guides-matrics-to-better-results/
I realized that my passion is in Corporate Social Investments Projects ,even though I had more than 8 years work experience in Automotive,Pharmaceuticals and Petroleum I was never fulfilled and excelled as the results I never got any promotion because I believe a person becomes productive in an area that s/he is interested in.
In 2013 took an internship job in Human Capital Solutions division within Government entity and they paid for my postgraduate qualification in Management. So I agree with Anthony that you must make a sacrifice in order to achieve some of your career goals and NEVER put yourself in a box.I always joke and tell people that I regard myself as a Social engineer instead of Chemical Engineer!
To you Ben,please let me know if you decide to pack your things and come discover your true passion of helping others here in South Africa. Believe you me someone with your background and deep interest to change other people lives will be a huge Blessing here in Africa. I will be honestly willing to host you until you get sorted should you consider this option later in your life (you can chat with me on [email protected]).
Goodluck in your Career Journey and decision making process!
Vuyani – thanks for the feedback and the inspirational story.
I am glad you had time to pursue your passion – good things happen when you do!