Some actions can have a negative effect on your career, particularly if you are just starting out. While landing your dream engineering job is exciting, how you conduct yourself in the workplace has a significant influence on your future success. Everyone makes mistakes at some time in their careers. However, how you handle it will determine your advancement and the number of chances available to you. These are some of the errors that engineers should avoid early in their careers:
Impatience
We sometimes start a work with very high expectations. We frequently compare our progress to that of our friends or individuals we admire, and we may become frustrated if we do not make the same strides professionally as they do. Rather than waiting for the right moment to learn and grow, we become dissatisfied and, in some instances, unproductive. It is critical to remember that success requires time and that our careers will often be marked by ups and downs.
Offensive and incriminating information on the internet
While you may want to appear cool by telling the world how wasted you were the night before and skipping work, your supervisor will not think you are cool in any way. Many people are jeopardizing their careers by posting vulgar, incriminating, or offensive information on the internet, oblivious to the fact that employers all over the world can easily access it with a straightforward search. If you want to get ahead, keep some facts hidden from the general public.
Job Hopping
People change jobs for a variety of reasons, but leaving because your supervisor criticized you in front of your team or because you need to get to work early is not recommended. There will always be parts of our jobs that do not appeal to us, and changing jobs frequently gives employers a bad impression, and they will avoid hiring you.
Failing to plan
It is important to lay out an idealistic plan for your career, mapping out both your short and long term goals. Engineers who fail to plan often find they are stagnant in a position for too long and may not take advantage of various opportunities that come up.
Getting too personal
It is not a good idea to share too much confidential information with your boss and coworkers. It may earn you some friends and provide numerous short-term benefits in the short run. However, it won’t be long before some of this information finds its way into your job and people begin to take you for granted. Maintain a clear separation between your professional and domestic lives.
Keep time
It is always critical to maintain track of time. When working on a client’s project, try your hardest to reach the expected deadlines, and let them know if you can’t. Respect office hours and be on time for appointments. It demonstrates regard for other people’s time, and they will be more ready to listen to what you have to say as a result.
Refusing to be accountable
The capacity to accept responsibility for both your successes and failures defines success. Whatever projects you take on at work, you must be prepared to account for the results and use the lessons learned to advance your job.
Neglecting to build up or utilize your contacts
Expand your professional network as much as feasible. These networks frequently lead to new jobs, useful information, and, in some instances, lifelong friendships. Our networks can connect you with mentors, potential customers, and business partners.
Failing to learn new things
The engineering field is constantly changing, and engineers must constantly update their education to stay up. This can be accomplished by enrolling in additional school classes as well as implementing lessons learned from our coworkers. Only by paying attention to how you learn and grow will you be able to excel in your job.
Asking the wrong questions
During the interview process, it is critical to learn about the company’s offerings and how you will fit into the general strategy. Have everything in writing, including your duties, the person to whom you will report, the company’s history and culture, and whether it aligns with your personal career goals.
Downplaying your achievements
If you want people to notice you, sing your own praises. That doesn’t mean bragging about it through every possible avenue. Get your supervisors and co-workers to recognize your efforts. Don’t cower behind your bosses and colleagues or let them take credit for your ideas.
Do not think you are irreplaceable
Sure, you’re a celebrity, and there’s no denying that the job you bring in is priceless. This does not excuse an inflated ego or behaving as if the organization will crumble without you. When you start acting as if only you can do the task, your star will begin to fade in the eyes of your coworkers.
Failing to take risks
If you ever really want to succeed, do not be afraid to take a risk once in a while. Sometimes the turning point in your career will come by doing something entirely different as opposed to going along with the crowd and playing it safe each time.
Giving out confidential information
Every business has its own set of secrets. As an employee, you are obligated to protect and keep strict confidentiality when it comes to your employer’s confidential information. Do not share it with competitors, clients, or even acquaintances, no matter how innocuous you believe it is. If your employer finds out, they will never believe or forgive you.
Burning your bridges
When transitioning from one business to another, it is critical to leave on good terms. Even if your former coworkers were difficult to get along with, do not depart in a huff because you will most likely run into them again in the future. They might even assist you advance in your career.
Lying
During the interview process, lying about your skills, qualifications, or achievements may give you leverage and help you win your dream position. This lie, however, will most likely catch up with you once you begin working and fail to deliver on basic tasks that you claimed you could handle.
Poor resume
Keep your resume updated at all times. Your resume is a powerful statement that you send out to potential employers and a poor or incomplete resume will ruin your chance of employment. Update it frequently and keep it clear and concise.
Ignoring the office rules
Even if they seem silly, be sure to adhere to the policies of the company you are working for. You want to show your employer that you will fit in and be an asset to them. Do not show up in casual wear when the dress code clearly outlines a more professional look. The office is not the place to play the rebel.
Over – education
Is it a terrible idea to continue your education? Certainly not, but keep in mind that your primary emphasis should not be on obtaining degrees at the expense of gaining experience. An educated engineer with experience and skills is valued in the engineering industry. Simply having a slew of Masters Degrees does not guarantee you a promotion or even higher pay.
Relying too much on others
Your achievement is not the fault of your boss. You certainly are. If you want a raise or an advancement, go ahead and ask for it. Don’t sulk in your area, complaining about being overlooked. Do you want to shift jobs? Don’t put all of your trust in headhunters, placement agencies, or other people who claim to have the solution to your issue. Take the initiative and obtain control of your career’s trajectory.
Source: engineeringdaily.net