It is not very often, in the course of doing one’s typical engineering work, to have the opportunity to simultaneously create a personal impact on many others. In addition, while actually doing so, to provide some assistance and career guidance to people starting out makes it that much more rewarding. I had this opportunity recently when I was invited again to address a class of graduate Mechanical Engineers at a nearby major university.
Having decades of experience as a Design Engineer and Manufacturing Engineer, in the office and out on the shop floor, gives me a very good overview and perspective of these professions. I am very happy to share my knowledge and experience with others in order to make the way a bit easier for them.
Today, the economic situation being what it is, college graduates are doing well to even get a job, while landing one in their field of study is fabulous. It is quite a change from when I graduated and many companies visiting the campus would “bid” against one another for new graduates. My first recommendation was to just get a job, preferably, if not exactly in one’s field of study then at least in something related, even if only remotely. Working as an apprentice in a machine shop, for example, provides the new graduate with a beginning familiarity with the machine tools that not only produce parts, but are used to produce the molds and dies that, in turn, are used in other production machines for high volume manufacturing.
Also, by keeping one’s eyes and ears open to observe what is going on when issues or problems are being discussed, you can learn a lot about how an engineer works in the real world. You might also come up with an idea that had not already been considered and get noticed as someone more valuable than an apprentice. Even if it turns out that your idea is not workable, you will still be regarded as someone who can think creatively. Others might then utilize you are a resource, or at least a sounding board, to bounce ideas off of. Then, when an engineering position opens up you are more likely to be considered for it, rather than someone “off the street,” because you already are a known quantity there and have some familiarity with the organization and its procedures, so there will be shorter learning curve for you. All I am saying is that you can make your own luck in finding a job or moving up to position of more responsibility in the one you have.
Know what is going on in your field. Learn about new technologies in development or coming on-stream. Get familiar with the common manufacturing processes and those that are not so common. Find out the economics of different processes and manufacturing methods and at what annual production volumes they become worthwhile alternatives. The more you know and can apply what you know, the more valuable you are to an organization.
You might consider what I am saying as telling you to pick yourself up by your own boot-straps. Well, yes, I am. You have to start somewhere. That is why I made my earlier suggestion that you take any job you can find, get started demonstrating competence on the job, volunteer to help out beyond your job description and you might be surprised as eventually you will be noticed as a valuable person to have onboard. If not, at least you will have some good points you can include on your resume. Here is the bottom line.
There are many people out there looking for a job. The intention with which they apply themselves to that task varies from “I will send them an email and see if they respond” to “okay, I will go down there and talk to them” on up to, “I know I can assist this company to achieve their goals and get it done quickly, accurately and at the least cost to them.” Who would you hire? If you have not yet realized what it is all about, let me give you my opinion. What I’m about to say may seem hurtful, a put down, or just “nullifying” you, sorry, but it is what is the real world out there.
A company is not particularly interested in you, your self esteem, your needs or your personal desires, anywhere near as much as they are interested in producing good products that sell well and therefore bring in the money so everyone can get paid. To be successful and get a job, much less keep the job you have, you have to be worth more to the company than they pay you. Honest! You want to make a pile of money? No problem, just be worth more, an awful lot more.
The favorable responses to my new website (this one) keep coming in. Thank you for your comments and input. If you are receiving this newsletter for the first time, all earlier newsletters are posted on the website and can be sorted chronologically or by main topic.
As always, Engineering Design Solutions is ready to assist you with your product, assembly line and/or tooling design issues, along with manufacturing productivity improvements. Big or small, we do it all. If it requires mechanical design, we can do it, period. Give us a call and we will show you how.