Did you feel excitement or trembles upon reading that statement? If it’s the former, good for you. You are up for a great start at work with that kind of perspective. But if it’s the latter, the words which follow should help you.
Getting your first engineering job can be really frightening, mostly because it’s not the same atmosphere in college anymore.
You will be exposed to new people with varying personalities and expertise. Plus, the results of what you do is no longer graded – it’s about being efficient, effective, and productive. This is the real thing.
You are going to work as an engineer. Let that sink in first.
Now what do you do for you not to worry about your first engineering job? Avoid mistakes, which are the following:
Not understanding the implications of your mistakes
One small mistake when working as an engineer could break your entire career. The worst that could happen is that it could affect others, like an explosion of building collapse. The results of what you do should be taken with utmost responsibility because you do this not only for yourself but also for others. Always note the impact of your job in the society.
Disregarding expansion of networks
When you work at any job, you should be able to make valuable relationships with others so you could have the best opportunities when it comes to learning. And it all starts with your job as an engineer.
Underestimating the importance of finding a mentor
We have said it before and we are saying it again now: you cannot do it alone. You will need a mentor to guide your way in engineering. It should be someone who knows what he is doing, able to provide help when necessary, and supportive of your decisions. Having a mentor or a coach at work will definitely help you climb your career ladder.
Procrastinating
This college habit has no place in the workplace, especially if you are an engineer. You are after efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity – and there is no way to achieve that if you carry this bad habit to your job.
Treating your boss as if he is your professor
Not all bosses are understanding. Many are after meeting deadlines, so asking for last-minute extensions will not work anymore. You have to adjust.
Showing up unprepared
Be professional! If you want to make it through in the field, you have to be sharp and ready all the time. It’s not an excuse that when you’re a newbie, you are given a free pass. Maybe on your first time, yes; but do not depend on that. You must always exhibit preparedness in every task or assignment given to you.
Not pushing yourself
Some parts of the job can be scary because you have never been there before. And those parts will propel you to your career success. “I always did something I was a little not ready to do,” said Marissa Mayer, the former CEO of Yahoo. “I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments that’s when you have a breakthrough.”
Avoiding feedback
The only way that you mistakes can be pointed out and corrected is if you are aware you are making them. Always ask for feedback from others especially in tasks which are unfamiliar to you.
Too much social media or smartphone use
It’s okay if you check your Facebook during breaks or when you are done with the tasks for the day. But if you do it during office hours, you might want to rethink about your priorities. Your boss won’t like it if you are a lot more immersed with you smartphone, scrolling through updates instead of finishing the needed tasks.
Source: Glassdoor
