Although I’ve had a profile for about six years, I really only got engaged and active on LinkedIn a little over a year ago.  And since then I’ve been compiling a list of the Top Engineers to Follow on LinkedIn.

With “marketers” and “influencers” in every corner of LinkedIn, I caught myself wondering, “Where are all my engineers at?”

And I have to tell you it felt pretty lonely.

Don’t get me wrong – there are some AMAZING, diverse, non-engineers that I’ve met and learned from via LinkedIn. [Read more…]

If you’ve hung around this site, subscribed to the email list, or followed me on social media, you know that I am obsessed with engineering impact.  It is how I close every email and is the focus of nearly every article and post.  Heck, my tagline is Engineer with Impact. But what does that really mean?  And how do we know if we are doing it?

As engineers, we pride ourselves on the ability to problem-solve.  And rightfully so. We are dang good at it!  We’ve spent years, if not decades of our lives, honing the craft of working through problem after problem, getting a precise solution.  But sometimes we get so focused on solving the problem in front of us that we don’t stop to think if the problem is really…well…the problem.  And when we fail to solve the right problems, we fail to Engineer with Impact. [Read more…]

Setting Priorities – What is your water?

Last year, I had the opportunity to hear Kat Cole, Group President of FOCUS Brands at the time, speak on leadership and the power of setting priorities. Cole shared with us her experiences on a service trip in Africa, in hopes of helping nearby villages with humanitarian efforts, and what it taught her about setting priorities.  In this article, I will recount her experience and provide step-by-step guidance for how you can apply it to your work as an engineer.

Sound good?  Good – let’s get to it!  [Read more…]

As part of the 35th Anniversary of the Governor’s Scholars Program in Kentucky, I was invited to participate in their Alumni Day at Northern Kentucky University.  So naturally, I shared with this year’s Scholars what my experience taught me about engineering leadership and life!

Below are the slides and lessons learned that I shared.  [Read more…]

#AskAsh – 004 – How to become an Indispensable Engineer

Question

Hi Ash,

What are your best tips for safeguarding your job, but also rise to the top to score your dream position?

As a recent graduate, I have this fear that if the economy turns or my company starts doing poorly that I’ll be the first one cut. What can you do to be indispensable at work?

Thanks,

Erica, New York

[Read more…]

#AskAsh – 003 – How to Confidently Enter a Job Offer Negotiation?

In this article, I answer one engineer’s questions regarding how to squash his nerves with a job offer negotiation.  His question specifically asks about salary negotiation. However, as you’ll read in tip #6 below, it is better to focus on the whole package and consider other aspects of the offer that might be more important to you.  [Read more…]

“[They] aren’t just hard to find — they don’t exist”

Think this was written about the elusive Sasquatch?  Loch Ness monster, maybe?  What about the abominable snowman?

Nope, nope, and nope.  This was referring to good engineering managers.

In his opinion piece, Juan Pablo Dellarroquelle argues that engineers that are good at their jobs have little incentive to move into a managerial role because they are already influential leaders in an individual contributor role.

Alternatively, he argues, engineers who are weak technically are promoted to managers because of their organizational skills.

While this may be the case in some circumstances, in general – I disagree.   [Read more…]

#AskAsh-002 – Should I get my Professional Engineer License?

Question:

Hi Ash,

Several managers at my company have told me they think I should pursue getting my Professional Engineer license.  While I am not opposed to getting it, I am just not sure it will be worth it.

What do you think?

Thanks,

-Anonymous, Cincinnati, OH

[Read more…]

#AskAsh – 001 – Should I stay in my engineering job or search for another?

Question:

Hey Ash,
I have a question about whether I should stay in my current engineering job or pursue other options.

I work for an engineering firm that does contract work for other companies. We have recently lost a big contract. With this lull, I have been told that much of my work over the next several months will basically be document control.

As a new engineer, I am concerned that I will be missing out on valuable experience if I am not working on strong engineering projects.

So my question is, should I stick it out or look for another job?

Thanks,
-Anonymous

[Read more…]

I’ve teamed up with Skylar Wooden, a Technical Writer, and Katie Butler, a CPA, the ladies behind Pare and Flourish to bring you some technical writing tips for engineers.  

Engineers are incredibly knowledgeable people. You understand how to design and build the most complex of structures.  You analyze and evaluate intricate data.  But, many engineers miss one of the most important aspects of any profession—explaining your work to others. Whether it’s to tell someone how to perform a task, or report on a project to a superior, relaying information is just as critical as knowing the information.

As an engineer, you can offer your expertise in two ways: verbal or written communication. You likely deal with the verbal aspect of this on a daily basis when you answer questions, explain a process, or even talk about your job with your friends. So, how often are you writing? [Read more…]

Unlocking your Engineering Career Potential

One of the best pieces of career advice that I have ever heard is to treat your career as a company, of which you are the CEO.  And like any company, your career will need a guiding principle that will help you stay focused on your purpose.  Companies today would not think of operating without a mission statement to guide them.  However, too many of us skip this critical aspect of running our own careers. [Read more…]

Improve your career and life with this ONE question!

The Hot Shot Rule is a way to be your own coach in seeing what is possible and what needs improving.

Basically, you ask yourself, “If a hot shot took over my job today, what is one thing they would think is unacceptable?” And then go address that one thing. [Read more…]