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 […]
“[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 […]
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 […]
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 Answer: Hi Anonymous from Cincinnati! Whether or […]
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 […]
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, […]
It wasn’t until I was negotiating a salary for an external job offer that I really came to understand my worth in the job market. I started my career with a chemical engineering salary of $60k in 2007. I felt like I had won the lottery to score this salary right out of college. Over […]
In May of 2016, I had the opportunity to hear Kat Cole, Group President of FOCUS Brands, speak on leadership and setting vision. While her entire talk and story was moving, one thing really stuck with me on how to improve your career – the Hot Shot Rule. So what’s the Hot Shot Rule? […]
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 […]
As a child,I never set out to become an engineering subject matter expert. However, big dreams and ambition have always come pretty easily to me. Watching the Magnificent 7 compete for Olympic gold in 1996, 11-year old me was convinced that I could become a champion gymnast. My dreams did not care that I only […]