6 answers
Dawson
Student
Muncie, Indiana
1
Question
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"What steps can I take in college and early in my career to become a leader in the engineering field"?
What steps can I take in college and early in my career to become a leader in the engineering field?
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6 answers
Syeta Cierra Sutson
Lead Medical Technologist
7
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Syeta Cierra’s Answer
Good afternoon!
One thing I would say, if haven't done so already, is seek a shadowing/intern opportunity in your career field. To some/most, it shows initiative. Once you start that or start your job, always be a sponge! Always absorb information, be ready and willing to learn anything! If there's a project taking volunteers, raise your hand! Even something that doesn't seem like it applies to you or is interesting, be a part of it because, what that does, it expands your knowledge base and skill set! There have been plenty of things I've volunteered for where I was like, Why did I do this??? But, it's come back to where it helped me into positions that I wouldn't have gotten otherwise. I was called, the jack of trades but a master of none. I knew everything from beginning to end and in-between, but I never settled to just one thing.
It may be different in the engineering world. But, that is what helped me in my career path.
One thing I would say, if haven't done so already, is seek a shadowing/intern opportunity in your career field. To some/most, it shows initiative. Once you start that or start your job, always be a sponge! Always absorb information, be ready and willing to learn anything! If there's a project taking volunteers, raise your hand! Even something that doesn't seem like it applies to you or is interesting, be a part of it because, what that does, it expands your knowledge base and skill set! There have been plenty of things I've volunteered for where I was like, Why did I do this??? But, it's come back to where it helped me into positions that I wouldn't have gotten otherwise. I was called, the jack of trades but a master of none. I knew everything from beginning to end and in-between, but I never settled to just one thing.
It may be different in the engineering world. But, that is what helped me in my career path.
Matt Nickols
Telecommunications Engineer
2
Answers
Garland, Texas
Updated
Matt’s Answer
While in college seek out opportunities to be a leader. Join an organization and take on a leadership role. Even if you are not President, taking any role and being in organizational leadership meetings help you learn.
Upon graduation, seek a job that is specifically designed to train leaders. Many companies have such programs which provide planned rotations (6-9 months per job) which gives you exposure to a variety of functions. For example, you might rotate from Operations to Engineering to Information Technology. Such rotations are invaluable to obtain broad perspectives and to learn from a variety of leaders.
Upon graduation, seek a job that is specifically designed to train leaders. Many companies have such programs which provide planned rotations (6-9 months per job) which gives you exposure to a variety of functions. For example, you might rotate from Operations to Engineering to Information Technology. Such rotations are invaluable to obtain broad perspectives and to learn from a variety of leaders.
Peter Li
Strategy and Planning
1
Answer
West Orange, New Jersey
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Look for areas that are interesting and read about the field you are interested in. Talk to people to see where the field is going. There are a lot of interesting areas in engineering.
Scott Hiller
Network Engineer
1
Answer
McKinney, Texas
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Dawson,
That is a great question. My advice to you is to always stay open to new opportunities and experiences. Many times your current job may present tasks that take you outside of your current responsibilities or teams that you normally work with. Although sometimes it may seem like a diversion, that opportunity and experience may present you with another opportunity or to connect with people that will remember you in the future.
Scott
That is a great question. My advice to you is to always stay open to new opportunities and experiences. Many times your current job may present tasks that take you outside of your current responsibilities or teams that you normally work with. Although sometimes it may seem like a diversion, that opportunity and experience may present you with another opportunity or to connect with people that will remember you in the future.
Scott
Brian Trosper
Communication Management
2
Answers
Newark, New Jersey
Updated
Brian’s Answer
I'll approach this from two angles: becoming a technology leader and a people leader. To excel as a technology leader in any engineering field, it's important to gain knowledge through both learning and hands-on experience. Embrace curiosity and blend theory with practice. Dive into classes, read widely, and seek internships with top companies in your area of interest. During college, aim to be a teaching assistant in your chosen engineering field and intern with leading tech firms. Keep learning even after graduation and explore how technology can be applied in various real-world scenarios.
As for becoming an engineering people leader, alongside your engineering education, seek out company programs that nurture leadership skills. At Verizon, we have the Verizon Leadership Development Program (VLDP), which guides graduates through three one-year rotations. The first two years focus on technology and networks, while the third year involves supervising engineers. Programs like these are designed to shape you into an engineering people leader. When I graduated as an engineer, I joined a similar program with a small telecommunications company, and it was a great stepping stone.
As for becoming an engineering people leader, alongside your engineering education, seek out company programs that nurture leadership skills. At Verizon, we have the Verizon Leadership Development Program (VLDP), which guides graduates through three one-year rotations. The first two years focus on technology and networks, while the third year involves supervising engineers. Programs like these are designed to shape you into an engineering people leader. When I graduated as an engineer, I joined a similar program with a small telecommunications company, and it was a great stepping stone.
Jun Shan Wey
Technology Strategy Planning
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Jun Shan’s Answer
Think about becoming a student member of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). It's a great opportunity! Check it out at https://www.ieee.org/membership/join/index.html. They offer lots of programs to help you connect with other students who share your interests and to develop your leadership skills.