Most important perceived qualities for a new engineers success
Most important perceived qualities for a new engineers success
(OP)
In this case I am talking about perception, not necessarily reality.
Of these which do you think is the most important perception to have for a young engineer who hopes to advance.
1) He's hardworking
2) He's extremely sharp
3) He's easy to work with
In every corporation I've worked at, no points were given for efficiency, instead hours seemed to be the greatest indicator of success.
If you are easy to work with, that's great; unless you are perceived as too laid back.
Overall,everywhere I've worked, the hard-working type-A aggressives seemed to advance much quicker. This left many of us cautious thinking analyticals behind begging for table scraps.
Of these which do you think is the most important perception to have for a young engineer who hopes to advance.
1) He's hardworking
2) He's extremely sharp
3) He's easy to work with
In every corporation I've worked at, no points were given for efficiency, instead hours seemed to be the greatest indicator of success.
If you are easy to work with, that's great; unless you are perceived as too laid back.
Overall,everywhere I've worked, the hard-working type-A aggressives seemed to advance much quicker. This left many of us cautious thinking analyticals behind begging for table scraps.





RE: Most important perceived qualities for a new engineers success
I think you answered the question, it takes a bit of all three. I am very analytical and cautious, but aggressive at the same time. Number two can be worked on and will generally come with experience and the right mentors.
I have found unfortunately that the path you want may take several companies until you are on it. I have been with several firms, each move for the better and I am very happy with my present position, salary, and type of work. This will change in time and if my present company wants my skills, they will adjust to accomodate me or I will be on to another firm.
Now granted, this approach is not for everyone, but it worked well for me. I am aggressive in my goals more so that in working. I feel that people that are hard to get along with make it tough for everyone and they tend to be avoided. My goals are mine, and sometimes they dont fit into the goals of the company. This is why I change firms, its not always for bad reasons.
Thats another reason why I believe in the PE, it is something no one but yourself can take away. It makes you very mobile and marketable.
just my thoughts...
BobPE
RE: Most important perceived qualities for a new engineers success
You should be able to find out how your performance is graded, in theory. For instance, I have a list of 10 desirable behaviours, and 5 top priorities (snigger) for the year.
It may or may not surprise you to learn that neither of those lists mentions technical excellence or prowess, analytical skills, strategic technical thinking or anything like that, which I regard as the most enjoyable if not the most important part of my job. My most important task is to take the output that my section generates, and make sure the people that asked for them understand the results, and "help" them to take the correct next steps. I don't even need to be able to run an analysis to do that, do I?
Cheers
Greg Locock
RE: Most important perceived qualities for a new engineers success
4) He/She gets results
It has been my experience that the ability to get the job done weighs heavily both with peers and superiors. It generally requires ability in all 3 of your attributes.
Regards
RE: Most important perceived qualities for a new engineers success
Cheers
Greg Locock
RE: Most important perceived qualities for a new engineers success
RE: Most important perceived qualities for a new engineers success
RE: Most important perceived qualities for a new engineers success
Blacksmith
RE: Most important perceived qualities for a new engineers success
So... in the world of business, advancement for the smarter and harder worker means stepping out of the big company and starting fresh on one's own. It is hard at first, but it pays off in the end. Does this work in the world of engineering? Of coarse it does, why not?
RE: Most important perceived qualities for a new engineers success
I think that coupled with what you are stating should be a warning:
If a worker turns down an advancement opportunity because he/she feels exceptionally good or comfortable in their present capacity, then that worker risks being labeled as a "dinosaur", or as being resistant to change.
I have a (more experienced) friend that has learned this lesson the hard way.
-- I am a young engineer, and I appreciate the advice in this thread greatly. --
RE: Most important perceived qualities for a new engineers success
loyalty. In this case, I am referring to an engineer working for someone else (not in business for themselves).
Competence is good but not to the extent that you would question your supervisor's judgement. Your success is based on how well you carry out your supervisor's objectives. I have observed good competent people who do not advance or even get fired. Doing what seems to be logical to make the company money will not necessarily get you ahead.
RE: Most important perceived qualities for a new engineers success
Just my thoughts
BobPE
RE: Most important perceived qualities for a new engineers success
As a consultant ,I just behave like before , delivering a top job without going into office politics , but doesn't see my salary being capped , because I now ask for a fee , accounted in hourly rates time worked hours in the month. . . .
Of course , job security is not anymore on the horizon , but hey , I now makes three times what I did when I was thirty , already 5 years consultant , non-stop.
No problems to find another job , as long as I do what I do as I want it to be done : tip top OK or else not satisfied.
Office politics and ZEN like things are of the past , and if the client is too demanding , I raise my fee at the end of the 3 months contract shedule , because I know he wants to keep me . . .
RE: Most important perceived qualities for a new engineers success
The answer is None of the above.
If you study management, and you really dig deep, you find out something that might disturb some. On the other hand it might please others. Whether in capitalist or socialist economies, . . .whether in the professions or agriculture or manufacturing, . . .communication skills are always the deciding factor as a determinent for success. Ability to communicate effectively is such a powerfull skill, that it sometimes even trumps other more obvious criteria such as some noted above.
So if you have an ambition for advancement in an organization, then learn more languages, take drama classes, study creative writing and literature.
Regards,
PM
RE: Most important perceived qualities for a new engineers success
1. Screw up.
2. Let it develop into a big problem.
3. Work like crazy to fix it once you have daily 7 a.m. meetings with the VP.
4. A year later, the VP won't remember why your name sounds so familiar.
On the subject of loyalty, if engineers are treated as commodities, as I believe they are to a large extent, the loyalty is not returned by "the company". So work hard, do well, but don't be surprised when you get laid off.