• Question: if I was wanting to become an engineer what life skills should I work on? xx

    Asked by clo xx to Anya, Daryl, Krishma, Rich, Ronnie on 9 Nov 2016.
    • Photo: Richard Symonds

      Richard Symonds answered on 9 Nov 2016:

      The main thing I would work on is time management. You have to be able to juggle several jobs of your own at times whilst providing technical advice (answering calls and emails) elsewhere.

      In general terms of looking how to become an engineer and how to work towards it, pick up desired traits, i hope the below offers some guidance;

      First of all, you need to decide what engineer you want to be. For example; I am an Electrical Engineer. This is still a very broad term as there are loads of different types of Electrical Engineers in many different sectors (do you want to design or install, big or small so on so fourth) Im an Electrical Engineer within the Building Services Industry. Now we are narrowing it down. Even then it could be subdivided into different jobs i do, there are specialist engineers for Lighting, Fire Alarm, Security and Lightning Protection.

      So in a nutshell you will first of all need to decide what type of engineer, in what sector you want to work in, your school careers manager should be able to help with this.

      You will then need to research the industry, and a good place to start would be what professional bodies over see your chosen industry. For example, the professional bodies which I am involved with are The IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) CIBSE (Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers) and The EI (Energy Institute). These organisations have loads of information about how to become certain engineers and routes you can take.

      In any route you go, good math results in school is of great benefit, and will save you time. Ultimately you will be attending some form of higher education. The higher up the levels you can start, the sooner you can reach your goals. I would also look into a science such as Physics to study with your GCSEs and A-Levels (If you choose to do them).

      The last thing to decide is to either study at uni full time, or study as an apprentice. Again your career manager can help regarding university, and maybe apprenticeships. If you choose an apprentice route then I think it wouldnt hurt putting together a cv and a covering letter detailing why you want to be a certain engineer, how you would like to achieve it and what your ambitions are, like a career plan (again your career manager can help). Send this out to companies within your chosen profession and I would be very surprised if you dont here anything back eventually. Persistence is key. It is also worth getting into a good company when you do your work experience and bombard the senior engineers with questions (relevant ones of course ;p). They may show an interest in you for after you leave school if you say something along the lines of (I really enjoyed this experience with you, many thanks, do you hire school leavers or apprentices, how could i make myself more employable within this industry/practice?) They will be putty in your hands if you ask that and show a good can-do attitude during your time there. Never be afraid to ask questions.

      Sorry its a bit of an essay, but I wanted to try and cover everything. I hope this helps. If I have missed the mark please feel free to let me know where and I will try and elaborate.

      Cheers

      Rich

    • Photo: Krishma Kapoor

      Krishma Kapoor answered on 9 Nov 2016:

      Being an engineer requires many life skills, this is a broad term for all types of engineering. Speaking as a civil engineer, the most important life skill is, which will be learnt over the course of your career is to have confidence in yourself.

      An engineer requires ultimate focus and self-control. Being confident in yourself, makes people believe that you are right for the job and notice the value you hold for you chosen job. Working in the construction industry, you will be meeting a variety of new people, some you may get on with and some you may not. Although when a topic is discussed, do not be afraid to speak out. You never know your idea might be better and safer to do, whatever the task is. By being confident (not too confident) get’s you noticed within the company, meaning you are more likely to be nominated for certain awards and prizes or even a promotion 🙂

    • Photo: Ronnie Mills

      Ronnie Mills answered on 9 Nov 2016:

      teamwork – any career path you take will involve you working with others so it’s best to get along with everyone, learn from others and they will help you as much as you help them.
      Learning- Engineering isn’t about getting a qualification and getting a job, it’s about a lifelong learning apprentiship that will keep you interested! Keep upto date with current innovations so you don’t get left behind!

    • Photo: Anya Grainger

      Anya Grainger answered on 10 Nov 2016:

      Teamwork and communication. You will always have to use these skills in every single task you do. They are very important for when you setting out where the building will go and for working with your colleagues to build the structure. You have to communicate and work as a team to make sure the building is built to deadlines, budget and the client/UK’s quality standards!

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