Advice to the Next Generation of Engineers

Engineering matters, we know, but why? Some might assume that engineering is about building infrastructure, and that’s partially true. But engineers are much more than builders. Engineers are visionaries who ask questions of the world and answer them with technology. Engineers have a hand in designing the world we live in, how it moves, grows and changes. Ultimately, engineers solve problems, and endeavor to answer the age old, recurrent question, “Can we do this?” 

Where Does Engineering Live? 

Short answer is, everywhere technology does. This is just a brief list of engineering career options in need of aspiring minds:

• environmental
• aerospace
• software
• social
• civil 
• electric
• automotive

If you notice, these fields encompass a wide variety of the spaces we interact with every day. Chances are, for every field that interests you, there’s probably a corresponding engineer out there, scratching their heads, wondering how to make it work better, move faster or function more efficiently. Engineers are heroes, and in today’s world, no longer are they unsung – Alexander Graham Bell, Steve Wozniak, Hedy Lamarr and Gustave Eiffel are some names many people can recognize even today.

So, Should You be an Engineer? 

That depends. Do you enjoy solving problems? Do you have a desire to make—rather—build the world a better place? If the answer to those things is yes, then click here to check out some great ways to get started. Word of fair warning, though; engineers need to know more than just numbers. Engineering is a pursuit of contradictions. Great engineers are part team player, part maverick leader; part by-the-book stickler, part mad genius. What matters is, how well do you learn? How quickly do you adapt? How hard are you willing to fail? Can you overcome challenges, dust yourself off and try again? Engineering won’t be easy. But it will be worth it. Ultimately, becoming an engineer is about daring, and daring greatly. 

And if you still aren’t sure, listen to what the industry’s best have to say about their fields. 

Radiall Engineers Share Advice to the Next Generation

We asked our engineers around the world for their advice for someone just starting their careers in engineering. Here’s what they had to say.

“My advice for an engineer beginning her/his career would be to learn as much as possible from older engineers and experienced technicians. But also not to catch on too fast with the internal procedure of the company; a fresh new sight could bring a lot!” - Paul Gattaz, Radiall Château-Renault

“Don't be afraid to challenge what is already established. There is nothing to lose, and much to gain, from questioning the reasons for things to be the way they are; and no matter how well established something is, it doesn't mean there isn't a better way to do it. Remember that a fresh set of ideas is your most valuable asset as a new engineer.” - Hugo Valenzuela, Radiall Obregon

"My advice would be dedicated to young women, who are interested but who hesitate to choose this path, fearing to work in a field mostly occupied by men. I'd like to say to them: go for it! As an engineer, you have the opportunity to participate in building the industries of tomorrow. To make it more environmentally friendly, to help them solve social challenges... Don't give up on a thrilling career like this one. Be part of the change!" - Cecile Chaissac Jammes, Radiall Centr'Alp

“Engineering is not about reengineering. But it's all about inventing new things to engineer our life process easier and accessible to all. Don’t be afraid to fail. Remember that every failure creates a rung on the ladder to success. Capitalize on every learning opportunity. Embrace new responsibilities. Don't just do things that are assigned to you, but actively take on other responsibilities that may be available.” - Pradeep Rathod, Radiall Bangalore

“First of all, congratulations because you are about to start a new phase, one of the most challenging but also one of the most exciting and satisfying of your lives. During the student stage there are always moments of stress and even frustration but always with the hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

It is important that when they start working life they do not lose that capacity for wonder and always have an open mind in search of new ideas and innovation, always having our objectives well defined to work on them and achieve them little by little day by day…remembering that you should never be afraid of something new, a project, device design, workstation design or something that represents a new challenge for you.

There is always a colleague who, with his experience and advice, can help you achieve your goals, who can serve as a pillar/mentor and who can help you achieve your goals and grow as a professional.

You have to keep up to date and learn new things with the ambition of new knowledge with the thought that tomorrow we can always be better than yesterday.” - Jorge M. Siqueiros Valenzuela, Radiall Obregon

“What I love about my job is giving life to a product. From the client’s specifications to a real solution meeting their needs. From pieces to a complete product, where all components work together to fit with customer requirements… I love taking part in product development and qualification and working as a team with people from different departments. It’s not easy when you’re a young engineer to trust your skills and knowledge, as well as to trust yourself into suggesting new ideas. But no idea is bad, it always brings something to think about or is the source to another idea which can lead to a solution. So share your ideas and express your thoughts!” - Zoé Dubois, Radiall Isle d'Abeau

“As a beginner of a profession, select a field of the engineering profession in which you are interested. It will help to make a better output in the career. Find a coach/guide with lots of industrial experience. It will help you to find a new path in the difficulties of professional life. Follow the functional procedures, which will help you to complete the assignments in a professional way. So always ask the work procedures at the time of assignments if you are not clear, how to do it. Keep on improving your professional and soft skills by updating the knowledge. Always take on new challenges and make a perfect output.” - Headwin Mathew, Radiall Bangalore