Engineers - What do they move to?
Discussion
Hi All,
I'm in my late 20's and working as a mechanical design engineer.
I enjoy my job, though I don't think I'll stay in engineering as a lifer.
I've noticed that lots of engineers tend to move into project management (with salary often being a primary driver...), which I've looked into myself, but what else is out there?
I see lots of vacancies which are of interest, but each time I struggle to relate to the requirements and the job, as I'm directly comparing it to what I do/know now.
I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has done similar.
Cheers
I'm in my late 20's and working as a mechanical design engineer.
I enjoy my job, though I don't think I'll stay in engineering as a lifer.
I've noticed that lots of engineers tend to move into project management (with salary often being a primary driver...), which I've looked into myself, but what else is out there?
I see lots of vacancies which are of interest, but each time I struggle to relate to the requirements and the job, as I'm directly comparing it to what I do/know now.
I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has done similar.
Cheers
I moved into operations quite early in my career and have skipped backwards and forwards between engineering and ops management roles over the past 30 years (how can it have been that long really). I trained initially as an electrical engineer but then moved into production engineering quite quickly and worked in manufacturing. Currently in an engineering role with an ecom startup. Not where I expected to be for sure
brother - eng, Meng chem eng, 10 years offshore - now works in MOD in future sub design
BIL - eng, Meng chem eng, 5 years with future fuel tech - now works in private equity funding future fuels
ME - IDE, MSC Finance, work in private equity real estate
BIL - eng, Meng chem eng, 5 years with future fuel tech - now works in private equity funding future fuels
ME - IDE, MSC Finance, work in private equity real estate
Edited by z4RRSchris on Monday 9th January 11:20
I left engineering in my late 20’s after 10years as a mechanical design engineer in the HVAC and building services industry (BEng qualified)and moved into Local Authority Building Control.
Public and private sector Building Control is an industry that in recent times is struggling to recruit so long term job security is very good. It’s been 20 years since I left engineering and 4 different employers. I’m now checking regulatory compliance of major projects and high rise buildings.
Public and private sector Building Control is an industry that in recent times is struggling to recruit so long term job security is very good. It’s been 20 years since I left engineering and 4 different employers. I’m now checking regulatory compliance of major projects and high rise buildings.
MEng into project management. Next looking towards business continuous improvement/leadership or engineering leadership. Would also consider a jump to operations/quality, for the right role. With project management I'm lucky to have a broad knowledge base from which to springboard! Good luck!
Best thing about engineering is with a degree and some experience you can adapt to a lot of sectors. Just be warned it can be harder to get back into core engineering should you wish to.
From friends and colleagues over the last few decades... depending on your interest within engineering.... Finance, strategy, tech specialist, other industry (teaching, oil, renewables, defence, food/drink, auto/aero/marine etc)
From friends and colleagues over the last few decades... depending on your interest within engineering.... Finance, strategy, tech specialist, other industry (teaching, oil, renewables, defence, food/drink, auto/aero/marine etc)
Ita depends what you want. Salary isn't necessarily everything. I am an Electrial Engineer by trade, with a BEng degree. Have the job role of Senior Commissioning Engineer (sign of the times, I'm 30, 20 years ago you'd have been pushing 50 to get into a similar role).
That said I have zero inclination to move higher, doing so means pure program management. I like making stuff work, and although my time is now split. I still get on site and can get stuck in. Yes salary is less, but I can earn a fair bit more with shift, overtime and offside working.
You went into engineering for a reason, if you want to go into project management crack on, you might love it. But try to work out what you want from work.
That said I have zero inclination to move higher, doing so means pure program management. I like making stuff work, and although my time is now split. I still get on site and can get stuck in. Yes salary is less, but I can earn a fair bit more with shift, overtime and offside working.
You went into engineering for a reason, if you want to go into project management crack on, you might love it. But try to work out what you want from work.
I moved from Prod Eng & programming CNC Mills to Tech Support with a company selling CNC Mills. Introduced the use of CAD/CAM software into that company & then moved to sales/support in a company producing & selling CAD/Cam software.
Worked for myself for a while selling/supporting CAD/Cam software followed by working for other suppliers.
My final job was with a company providing database & marketing services. I basically did what the owner would rather not do - basic accounts, invoicing, purchasing, health & safety, ISO9001 planning & paperwork, customer relations, etc. Absolutely nothing like my previous engineering based jobs - my first, & last, 9-5 job.
Worked for myself for a while selling/supporting CAD/Cam software followed by working for other suppliers.
My final job was with a company providing database & marketing services. I basically did what the owner would rather not do - basic accounts, invoicing, purchasing, health & safety, ISO9001 planning & paperwork, customer relations, etc. Absolutely nothing like my previous engineering based jobs - my first, & last, 9-5 job.
MEng. 20 years in process, 6 sigma and the like. Now I own and run a workshop fixing cars. I know which pays the best, but I know which is more fun. Most engineers are engineers because they like a bit of hands on with brains. And most engineers end up pushing bits of paper in my observation. Tension and stress is the result.
Interesting thread.
I'm currently trying to figure out what to do next. Where to go. How to find something new. I don't even know where to start looking.
But I can't stay where I am. Its nothing difficult and there are a few irons in the fire that might mean some quite busy, challenging but ultimately "nothing new" work soon. But I don't know if I really have the appetite for it.
The last two days I've sat at my desk and just procrastinate the day away. Can't bring myself to do the work, especially when there is no time pressure. So I do think I need something new.
I'm currently trying to figure out what to do next. Where to go. How to find something new. I don't even know where to start looking.
But I can't stay where I am. Its nothing difficult and there are a few irons in the fire that might mean some quite busy, challenging but ultimately "nothing new" work soon. But I don't know if I really have the appetite for it.
The last two days I've sat at my desk and just procrastinate the day away. Can't bring myself to do the work, especially when there is no time pressure. So I do think I need something new.
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