How to Improve on Ones Engineering Skill Set
Engineering. What does it really mean? Some may think it’s the application of a theory to create a new product or improve upon an existing one. Others may think it’s using mathematical or technical knowledge to meet a need or solve a problem. No matter the answer, knowledge (creation and retention) is the key to engineering. So how do Engineers go about improving their knowledge? There are tons of ways to accomplish this but they boil down to some core approaches. Let’s take a look at a few tried and true ideas.
1. Get in the game and get your feet wet
Learning by doing is a great approach, especially for a new engineer. New engineers who become part of numerous projects gain experience with a larger range of skills and disciplines. They can learn about creating new code, designing a circuit, developing HMI screens or how to troubleshoot issues – whatever the project entails. Reading books is great, but nothing beats actual hands-on experience.
2. Ask questions and plenty of them.
What’s a flux capacitor? Why did Doc only make one? Why did they only travel to years that ended in a 5? 1.21 gigawatts? What was he thinking? On the first project I was assigned I asked questions left and right. Almost every 5 minutes I had a new question (but never the same one twice). But let’s face facts: if you don’t know something, the best way to find out is to ask someone who does! Remember, when you want to learn, there’s no such thing as a stupid question.
3. Go to Lots of Training Sessions!
Engineering is a lifelong learning profession and skill, and what better way to build your knowledge than by attending training sessions whenever you can. Regular training is a great way of learning a new skill or brushing up on an existing one. And the best part of it is that your employer typically pays for them and wants you to attend! So why not take advantage of them? You can be the gal or guy who everyone comes to when they have a question that they don’t understand. You can then nail the answer and smile nonchalantly while saying, “No big deal.”
Continuous skill building is a key component of Avanceon’s culture. How do you feel about acquiring new skills?
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