1. ENGINEERING YOUR CAREER Carleton University January 30, 2002 Elza Seregelyi Elza Seregelyi & Associates Inc.

2. “The modern world is on the verge of another leap in creativity and productivity, but the job is not going to be part of tomorrow’s economic reality.” - William Bridges, Fortune, Sept.19, 1994 Traditional full-time, permanent hiring is declining Contract, term and self-employment is on the rise Telecommuting becoming more widespread Small businesses (including start-ups!) and consulting also major employment areas for engineers Job vs Employment

3. The "system" EMPLOYERS Technology, information & knowledge Economic & Market forces Government policies (eg. taxation, trade, immigration) ?? YOU & ME Demographic & Social changes Competitive forces

4. Employers' Reactions EMPLOYERS Technology, information & knowledge Demographic & Social changes Competitive forces Economic & Market forces Government policies Flattened organizations Multidisciplinary teams Focus on skills Collaboration & externalization YOU & ME Flexibility & speed I.T. Solutions

5. Surviving & Thriving EMPLOYERS Flattened organizations Multidisciplinary teams Focus on skills Collaboration & externalization YOU & ME Flexibility & speed I.T. solutions Lifelong learning Enhanced skill set Career management Industry watch Networking

6. Employability Skills Academic skills Teamwork skills Personal management skills Communicate Think Learn Responsibility Adaptability Positive attitudes Respect others Work together Source:Conference Board of Canada

7. Academic - Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates - Awards, Scholarships, Cumulative GPA/Average - Continuing education & short courses Getting Skills & Experience Work Experience (gains more importance later) - Co-op, internship & summer jobs - Full-time work or self-employment - Volunteer work Extra-Curricular - Leadership positions (especially if elected) - Active team or club participation - Design competitions, conferences - Community involvement - Some hobbies A variety of roles and activities is helpful in demonstrating skills, flexibility and initiative.

8. Lifelong Learning We learn in many different ways from many different sources: reading, listening, doing, discussing … friends, colleagues, teachers, print or online material, conferences, other experiences Any experience can be a learning opportunity if we are open to it We can increase learning through sharing & reflection (engineers should be doers AND thinkers) One of the best ways to learn is to teach

9. What’s it really like in industry? Fast-paced, always changing High mobility Rewards for critical skills, performance, responsibility and risk Need for technical expertise plus business acumen Pressure for 24/7 services in some areas, but flexible work options do exist Culture varies greatly by company and individual manager or leader What matters most to YOU?

10. Contract & Consulting Work Increased emphasis on ability to “sell yourself” - may need time to establish credibility - personal contacts are essential Time management critical for undertaking multiple projects Responsible for own benefits, training, vacation time, facilities etc. Cashflow may be uneven Opportunity for increased personal flexibility Need to manage personal risk & return

11. Things I didn’t learn in school… The most valuable employee isn’t necessarily the one who knows everything, but the one who can get things done…without stressing out the boss. “Performance” is in the eyes of the beholder – be sure you and your manager are looking through the same lens. Good relationships are the invisible currency that drives business Treat each colleague and customer as if your next job depends on it (quite possibly it will)

12. Career Management Steps 1. ASSESS YOURSELF 2. SET YOUR VISION 3. GATHER INFORMATION 4. DEVELOP A PLAN 5. TAKE ACTION Reality check

13. Step One ASSESS YOURSELF What have been my best/worst work experiences? Why did I feel this way? What are my strengths & weaknesses? Preferences? Key motivators? Find out how others perceive you.

14. Step Two Is my personal/work life balanced? Where is my current path taking me - am I in control of my career? What do I want to be doing in 2, 5, 10 years? SET YOUR VISION

15. Step Three GATHER INFORMATION Where do I look? What questions should I ask? Benchmark your progress using both internal & external data (salary surveys, job descriptions) Networking - how to and who with?

16. Step Four DEVELOP A PLAN Map out several alternatives & what you need to do to achieve them (training? experience?) Go beyond just your next job or project - what's after that? Consider lateral (“developmental”) as well as vertical moves Get advice - seek a mentor

17. Step Five TAKE ACTION Talk to your manager, career counsellor, or HR representative Get the training/expertise you need Prepare your resumé with focus on SKILLS Use your contacts; arrange visits, interviews, etc.

18. BE AWARE OF YOUR CHANGING ENVIRONMENT CONTINUE TO LEARN FOR LIFE TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR CAREER