7 Ways To Excel In Your First 30 days In A New Engineering Role

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So you have landed the new job. It may be permanent, it may be contract but regardless, you need to know how to excel in a new role very quickly. If you were employed through an engineering recruitment company it is likely your skills were matched closely through your CV and interview and perhaps at interview stage you needed to take technical test. With your new job about to start the first 30 days are important to establish yourself and demonstrate the future potential you have in the organisation. Here are some key ideas worth considering if you want to make a great impact.

1. Research

Before you start, research the company in greater depth. While you would have some basic knowledge from the interview stage, you now need to know more details such as product range, manufacturing techniques, materials, processes and customer expectation.

2. Be innovative when it comes to profitable ideas

Watch the 'bottom' line. Whatever company you work for, profit is the name of the game. As a new employee, you are likely to get existing problems to solve. Find innovative solutions that work. This might be easier than you think. It is true that a fresh pair of eyes on any situation can make a big difference to the end result.

Do plenty of research. You are likely at times to be presented with problems outside your technical discipline. Look into all problems in depth as much as possible before attempting to find any solutions. Ensure you know the full extent of the problem and ask questions of people who have experience of similar issues to help you reach the right conclusions.

3. Make the most of your previous experience.

Adapt concepts to current designs to find a solution that is progressive. If something is carried out a specific way because it has always been done like that, it might be worth suggesting alternatives that can improve the current situation.

4. Communicate.

Many engineering projects, especially large ones, have communication issues. Make sure you ask questions. Remember you are in a new situation and it is important to make sure that you have a handle on the current 'communication' channels. Present information concisely, succinctly and directly. Don't waste others time but ensure all the necessary information is given. Choose the right tools to get your message across.

5. Set your own goals

Commit yourself. Make yourself accountable for the projects you are doing. Send updates to managers as often as required, or as appropriate. Set yourself goals and priorities. This will help manage your workload effectively.

6. Work with the team

Work as a team. Most projects are too big to work in isolation. Use the skills and experiences of others to supplement your own. Accept suggestions from others even if you disagree at face value, and then research the suggestion thoroughly. Learn strengths and weaknesses of your team members to utilise them to best effect.

7. Excel at project management

Learn the art of project management. Many engineers are incredibly skilful at what they do and especially at solving problems. That doesn't mean they are always good project managers. Ask any company where the issues are and it is often in this key area. A project not delivering on time or on budget wastes time money and profit. Demonstrate this particular skill and you will gain the respective of everyone in the organisation.

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