Ten Essential Skills for Electrical Engineers

10

GETTING A JOB—KEEPING A JOB—ENJOYING YOUR WORK

A satisfying, rewarding and meaningful career requires both technical and interpersonal skills. The previous nine chapters focused on the technical skills you’ll need to succeed in your job interviews and become an immediate contributor in the workplace. This chapter focuses on interpersonal skills and behaviors that will help you get a job and then enjoy a successful career.

What is a successful electrical engineer? The author’s friend, mentor, and colleague, Dave, is the most successful engineer I know. When project teams are formed, Dave is in high demand because of his excellent teamwork skills. When there is a technical problem, Dave is consulted because of his broad knowledge and excellent troubleshooting skills. When engineers are just stumped, they come to Dave because of his ability to think “outside the box.” When engineers need career advice, they come to Dave because he is an excellent listener and hands out advice wisely and respectfully. When Dave needs help, he is equally comfortable learning from his colleagues, reading technical material from manufacturers, or opening up the latest textbook. Dave is a great source of stories about climbing mountains, starting companies, climbing 2000-ft antenna towers, running from bears, shanking golf balls, and participating in many engineering development efforts. Dave has enjoyed his career and contributed positively to the careers of many others since he graduated from college ...