Every single year, at the end of each semester, I get contacted by some of the students I mentor who tell me they have just failed a class. Some are worried how they will tell their parents. Some are worried that it will put their scholarship in jeopardy. Some think of themselves as failures overall. . . . click to continue reading
Online applications are great for the employer, but suck for you. Here’s a better way.
They say that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Yet, I am baffled by the number of engineers who come to me talking about the 50, 60, 70 or even 100+ positions to which they applied in order to gain an internship or job. Are . . . click to continue reading
“Will you be my friend?” 3 Tips for Getting Strangers to Connect on LinkedIn (and beyond)
When we were in kindergarten, we could walk up to another kid and just say “Hey, wanna be my friend?” It was as simple as that. No context was needed and then we’d run off and play. Can you imagine if that worked in the business world? “Hey, can I work here?” and then you’d go . . . click to continue reading
Why Public Speaking is the MOST IMPORTANT Skill for ALL engineers; Even if you don’t talk to groups
As an engineer with 16+ years experience in the mechanical/energy engineering field, I can honestly say that the single most important course you can take and skill you can develop is . . . Public Speaking. Yes, you read that right. Public speaking is one of the most important classes I took while I was an undergraduate mechanical . . . click to continue reading
Want to be a successful engineer? Here are 4 non-technical habits every engineer should develop
No doubt, you need to have technical skills to be a successful engineer. However, as I have discussed in previous articles this is not enough to really move up in your career. To really succeed, you need to build up other peripheral skills and habits. I have talked about public speaking, networking, and writing as . . . click to continue reading
Why technical knowledge is NOT the key to your (engineering) success
Go to a top-ranked engineering school? Check. Get a graduate degree? Check Achieve several highly recognized licenses? Check. You did everything that you’re supposed to do. So why aren’t you moving up the ladder or getting the job opportunities you really desire? The honest truth is that all these achievements do is get your foot in the door. I . . . click to continue reading