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In this session of The Engineering Career Coach Podcast, my partner Chris Knutson interviews author James Lehman who gives some good strategies and advice on maneuvering your engineering career through transitions.
“Switching from one career to another can be scary, but it also can be a thrilling experience. Look at it as an opportunity to really go after what you want to accomplish in life and make a difference in the world. The key is to take small, conscious steps and prepare yourself for a successful transition.” – Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul series
In the Take Action Today segment of the show, Chris is going to give you a tactic he used that has helped him personally in his transition. James will also share a valuable point that you can exercise to prepare for any career change.
James Lehman is the author of the new book Maneuvering Your Career – 20 Strategies to Prepare You for Voluntary (or Involuntary) Career Transition. James has either experienced or witnessed just about anything that can happen in the workplace relating to people, and their careers. He himself has had 20 job transitions, and as a Senior HR Professional, he has spent more than 20 years working in Human Resources. James also is a Certified Professional Coach, and works with both groups and individuals helping people access their power so they can own their job, and achieve their dreams.
Listen to this session and learn some strategies that will help you if you’re transitioning now, thinking about transitioning, or wanting to be prepared if you have an unforeseen transition:
1 – Prepare for change by:
- Knowing what’s hot, keeping your skills up to date, and getting yourself out there
- Be active on LinkedIn – join interest groups, professional organizations, contribute articles, etc.
- Keep updated on prospective employers by using the Stock app on your mobile device
- Visualizing the future – building a business plan as a way to get prepared
- Plan to be an entrepreneur – by 2020, 50% employees will be contractors/freelancers
- Build your network everyday
2 – Make sure you’re doing a professional job
3 – Be known for getting things done
4 – Show up everyday which shows you’re a leader and an expert at what you do
5 – Be courageous even when others say you can’t, and get past those limiting beliefs
6 – Know your vision and the time for transition
Lehman also shares more details about his book and what he learned as he went trough the process of transition.
Books mentioned in this session include:
Resources and links mentioned in this session include:
James Lehman’s Website
James’ LinkedIn Profile
James’ Business Plan Template
Chris’ Timeline Template
Click Here for Session #66 Transcription
Sponsor for this session:
PPI2Pass Review Courses for FE, PE, and SE Exams
Are you ready for any career transition?
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you might share about how you’ve managed engineering career transition in your life.
Please leave your comments, feedback or questions in the section below.
To your success,
Anthony Fasano, PE, LEED AP
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
