3 answers
Alejandra
Student
1
Question
Updated
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How does the educational background needed for consulting differ from what's typically expected in more traditional or design-heavy engineering roles?
I am a Freshman pursuing a BS in Business and Engineering. After looking at possible career paths I became very interested in engineering consulting. I want to see if my major aligns with this career and what I can add to my studies.
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3 answers
Jody Muniz, P.E.
Project Manager / Forensic Engineer
28
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Jody’s Answer
Hello Alejandra,
Consulting is a very broad field with a very broad range of expertise that is utilized to provide solutions for a wide range of clients who hire consultants to solve a wide range of problems. Clients hire consultants when they do not have the expertise in-house required for their present needs.
Many engineers get MBAs after completion of their engineering school. And from my experience of being an engineer for over 30 years, many engineers become managers and deal more with clients than dealing with engineering problems. Getting new business clients and keeping existing clients is a necessary requirement for all consultants. Little work equals little pay, and no work equals no pay. Being a good communicator is very key, and it is not taught in school. You learn this on your own and I can tell you how I became a better communicator.
When I was a contractor at NASA for 10 years, I joined Toastmasters International and for a $7/ month membership fee I changed my abilities for public speaking and I lost my fear of public speaking. Now I compete in public speaking contests every chance I get for fun because I truly enjoy the professional camaraderie that Toastmaster clubs provide. I have always learned by doing and IF it does not start out well, which happens, I have learned how to adapt and improve. I highly recommend you attend a Toastmasters International meeting and see if you want to become a better communicator which will set you apart from the others. Toastmasters will help you become a much better speaker and greatly improve your interviewing skills for future jobs. https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club. Improvement does not happen overnight and if you improve your communication skills while you are in college you will greatly improve your chances of becoming a successful consultant from the start of your career.
For the business side of engineering, I highly recommend you take a hard look at Industrial engineering. I think that would suit your present desires to combine business and engineering. Your future is in your hands and because you are asking the hard questions now at the start of your journey. How successful you want to be will be determined by the actions you take and the decisions you make on your journey. And remember, when you love what you do, it is no longer just work, it becomes a better life. Alejandra, I have no doubt you will be successful. Keep working hard and keep asking the hard questions of yourself and you will always find ways to make it to the top. I know you will be successful Alejandra. Enjoy your journey :-)
Develop a list of companies you think you want to work for after graduation. Keep that list and adapt it as you please.
Research the careers sections of these companies and cut and paste their entry level positions and determine what qualifications they are seeking and start your own personal library.
Look for companies that hire college interns. Cut and paste their requirements into word cocuments and put them into your personal library.
Modify your college studies to suit the path you desire.
Practice interviewing and learn how to present yourself to the best of your abilities.
Consulting is a very broad field with a very broad range of expertise that is utilized to provide solutions for a wide range of clients who hire consultants to solve a wide range of problems. Clients hire consultants when they do not have the expertise in-house required for their present needs.
Many engineers get MBAs after completion of their engineering school. And from my experience of being an engineer for over 30 years, many engineers become managers and deal more with clients than dealing with engineering problems. Getting new business clients and keeping existing clients is a necessary requirement for all consultants. Little work equals little pay, and no work equals no pay. Being a good communicator is very key, and it is not taught in school. You learn this on your own and I can tell you how I became a better communicator.
When I was a contractor at NASA for 10 years, I joined Toastmasters International and for a $7/ month membership fee I changed my abilities for public speaking and I lost my fear of public speaking. Now I compete in public speaking contests every chance I get for fun because I truly enjoy the professional camaraderie that Toastmaster clubs provide. I have always learned by doing and IF it does not start out well, which happens, I have learned how to adapt and improve. I highly recommend you attend a Toastmasters International meeting and see if you want to become a better communicator which will set you apart from the others. Toastmasters will help you become a much better speaker and greatly improve your interviewing skills for future jobs. https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club. Improvement does not happen overnight and if you improve your communication skills while you are in college you will greatly improve your chances of becoming a successful consultant from the start of your career.
For the business side of engineering, I highly recommend you take a hard look at Industrial engineering. I think that would suit your present desires to combine business and engineering. Your future is in your hands and because you are asking the hard questions now at the start of your journey. How successful you want to be will be determined by the actions you take and the decisions you make on your journey. And remember, when you love what you do, it is no longer just work, it becomes a better life. Alejandra, I have no doubt you will be successful. Keep working hard and keep asking the hard questions of yourself and you will always find ways to make it to the top. I know you will be successful Alejandra. Enjoy your journey :-)
Jody recommends the following next steps:
Jody Muniz, P.E.
Project Manager / Forensic Engineer
28
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Jody’s Answer
Hello Alejandra,
Consulting is a very broad field with a very broad range of expertise that is utilized to provide solutions for a wide range of clients who hire consultants to solve a wide range of problems. Clients hire consultants when they do not have the expertise in-house required for their present needs.
Many engineers get MBAs after completion of their engineering school. And from my experience of being an engineer for over 30 years, many engineers become managers and deal more with clients than dealing with engineering problems. Getting new business clients and keeping existing clients is a necessary requirement for all consultants. Little work equals little pay, and no work equals no pay. Being a good communicator is very key, and it is not taught in school. You learn this on your own and I can tell you how I became a better communicator.
When I was a contractor at NASA for 10 years, I joined Toastmasters International and for a $7/ month membership fee I changed my abilities for public speaking and I lost my fear of public speaking. Now I compete in public speaking contests every chance I get for fun because I truly enjoy the professional camaraderie that Toastmaster clubs provide. I have always learned by doing and IF it does not start out well, which happens, I have learned how to adapt and improve. I highly recommend you attend a Toastmasters International meeting and see if you want to become a better communicator which will set you apart from the others. Toastmasters will help you become a much better speaker and greatly improve your interviewing skills for future jobs. Find their website , toastmasters.org/find-a-club. Improvement does not happen overnight and if you improve your communication skills while you are in college you will massively improve your chances of becoming a an immediate hire by the top companies and then becoming a successful consultant from the start of your career. Toastmasters changed my life for a small monthly fee and a massive return on my investment.
For the business side of engineering, I highly recommend you take a hard look at Industrial engineering. I think that would suit your present desires to combine business and engineering. Your future is in your hands and because you are asking the hard questions now at the start of your journey. How successful you want to be will be determined by the actions you take and the decisions you make on your journey. And remember, when you love what you do, it is no longer just work, it becomes a better life. Alejandra, I have no doubt you will be successful. Keep working hard and keep asking the hard questions of yourself and you will always find ways to make it to the top. I know you will be successful Alejandra. Enjoy your journey :-)
Develop a list of companies you think you want to work for after graduation. Keep that list and adapt it as you please.
Research the careers sections of these companies and cut and paste their entry level positions and determine what qualifications they are seeking and start your own personal library.
Look for companies that hire college interns. Cut and paste their requirements into word cocuments and put them into your personal library.
Modify your college studies to suit the path you desire.
Practice interviewing and learn how to present yourself to the best of your abilities.
Consulting is a very broad field with a very broad range of expertise that is utilized to provide solutions for a wide range of clients who hire consultants to solve a wide range of problems. Clients hire consultants when they do not have the expertise in-house required for their present needs.
Many engineers get MBAs after completion of their engineering school. And from my experience of being an engineer for over 30 years, many engineers become managers and deal more with clients than dealing with engineering problems. Getting new business clients and keeping existing clients is a necessary requirement for all consultants. Little work equals little pay, and no work equals no pay. Being a good communicator is very key, and it is not taught in school. You learn this on your own and I can tell you how I became a better communicator.
When I was a contractor at NASA for 10 years, I joined Toastmasters International and for a $7/ month membership fee I changed my abilities for public speaking and I lost my fear of public speaking. Now I compete in public speaking contests every chance I get for fun because I truly enjoy the professional camaraderie that Toastmaster clubs provide. I have always learned by doing and IF it does not start out well, which happens, I have learned how to adapt and improve. I highly recommend you attend a Toastmasters International meeting and see if you want to become a better communicator which will set you apart from the others. Toastmasters will help you become a much better speaker and greatly improve your interviewing skills for future jobs. Find their website , toastmasters.org/find-a-club. Improvement does not happen overnight and if you improve your communication skills while you are in college you will massively improve your chances of becoming a an immediate hire by the top companies and then becoming a successful consultant from the start of your career. Toastmasters changed my life for a small monthly fee and a massive return on my investment.
For the business side of engineering, I highly recommend you take a hard look at Industrial engineering. I think that would suit your present desires to combine business and engineering. Your future is in your hands and because you are asking the hard questions now at the start of your journey. How successful you want to be will be determined by the actions you take and the decisions you make on your journey. And remember, when you love what you do, it is no longer just work, it becomes a better life. Alejandra, I have no doubt you will be successful. Keep working hard and keep asking the hard questions of yourself and you will always find ways to make it to the top. I know you will be successful Alejandra. Enjoy your journey :-)
Jody recommends the following next steps:
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
87
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Dear Alejandra,
You have raised an excellent question.
Engineering disciplines are many: civil, electrical, structural, production, mechanical, software, biomedical, electronics etc.
Roles within these disciplines are equally many: production, construction, maintenance, utilities, projects, design, research and development, sales, services, teaching in Institutions of higher learning etc.
Consulting falls under services sector. Consulting firms employ engineers just like the other sectors based on the areas of the consultancy services they specialize in. These can be in any engineering field.
Usually, deep knowledge and experience in the field of consultancy you are engaged in is essential for building a compelling reputation. To be competitive, a reputation of excellence is crucial. Expertise in cutting-edge breakthroughs can easily earn you the category of being a consultant.
Consultants and consulting firms have a wide client base: companies, governments, individuals, organizations etc. Consultants often work on projects, new initiatives, resolution of teething challenges etc. and the role is usually very attractive financially.
You have raised an excellent question.
Engineering disciplines are many: civil, electrical, structural, production, mechanical, software, biomedical, electronics etc.
Roles within these disciplines are equally many: production, construction, maintenance, utilities, projects, design, research and development, sales, services, teaching in Institutions of higher learning etc.
Consulting falls under services sector. Consulting firms employ engineers just like the other sectors based on the areas of the consultancy services they specialize in. These can be in any engineering field.
Usually, deep knowledge and experience in the field of consultancy you are engaged in is essential for building a compelling reputation. To be competitive, a reputation of excellence is crucial. Expertise in cutting-edge breakthroughs can easily earn you the category of being a consultant.
Consultants and consulting firms have a wide client base: companies, governments, individuals, organizations etc. Consultants often work on projects, new initiatives, resolution of teething challenges etc. and the role is usually very attractive financially.