This is a guest blog by Nick Heim, P.E.
Many situations in life have us seeking the opinion of others, our careers being no exception. Instead of asking a significant other, coworker, or friend – what if instead we could have someone who is vested in the advancement and growth of our careers give us advice? Today, I would like to talk about some of the benefits of a career coach, and what they can do for your civil engineering career.
1. Providing Unbiased Input
Although talking to those close to us about issues regarding our careers can be helpful, these people are typically close enough to us that their opinions may be biased by the information we share. So much so, in fact, that their feedback may not actually be all that helpful in the long run. A career coach, however, is able to provide a third-party view and unbiased advice that can be helpful – even if it is not exactly what you were hoping to hear. They may also be able to help you view these situations from a different point of view – something that can be difficult for friends and family to do.
2. Expanding Your Network
A good career coach is likely working with more clients than just you, and should be able to introduce you to them through group coaching, social media groups, or a quick exchange of contact information. These individuals now have something directly in common with you, may have gotten some face time with you over a group call, and might just be willing to help connect you with someone in their network, if the opportunity arises. Career coaches also tend to know a lot of different people from a number of different industries. By working with a coach, these individuals are only a request away from being contacted. Finally, just having someone to run ideas by and teach you how to more effectively network (whether in-person or online) can get your network where you want it to be – much faster.
3. Helping to Find Clarity
Sometimes hiring a career coach comes about because one does not understand the next steps in their career (speaking from experience!) and is looking for someone to help them figure it out. Although only you truly know what is right for you, a coach can work with you to help you understand who you are as a person, what desires you have and why, and craft a plan to better understand what is next. This could involve doing some reading, self-reflection, and planning. The work required to achieve the end result is ultimately the responsibility of the client, but a coach can put you on the fast track to success.
In Summary:
- Family and friends can give you advice – but unbiased input from someone who knows your industry will likely lead to more efficient results.
- Coaches are typically well-connected people. Let them help you by utilizing their network.
- A coach is not a magic cure for what ails us – we must put in the work to achieve the desired results!
About the Author, Nick Heim, P.E.
Nick is a field engineer, owner of the Green House Property Management, and the Civil Engineering Collective Coordinator. Nick’s interests lie at the intersection between the built world and technology, and he can be found looking for the ever-changing answer to the question, “How can we do this better?” He can be found on LinkedIn, primarily producing content about use of technologies in his civil engineering career and small business.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s post by guest author Nick Heim, P.E. If you’re interested in your firm possibly joining the Civil Engineering Collective, please contact us here or call us at 800-920-4007.
I hope you’ll join us.
Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
