5 Honest Tips for Beginner Engineers

I have been working as an engineer for more than 15 years in different countries - at sea, in deserts, swamps, and forests, in temperatures from -50 to +50 degrees Celsius. Looking back, I want to give 5 honest tips to beginner engineers.

I’m Alex, a UK Chartered Engineer, European Engineer, and also a certified career coach for engineers.

This first tip is for students and young engineers. I will be honest: if you already feel that engineering is not for you, that you do not want to do this job for the rest of your life, and you think you made a mistake choosing this profession, there is nothing wrong with that. Now is the best time to change your career path.

If you are still in university, you can think about switching to another major. If you have already graduated and started working, it does not mean you have to quit your job tomorrow. I understand that you finally started earning money, and you don’t want to lose that income.

Changing careers is never easy, and it can be hard to find a job in a new field without experience or education. At first, you may get lower pay or face many rejections. But getting even a little experience is very valuable.

It is better to work in a job you don’t love for a few years while getting new qualifications and training than to spend your whole life in a job you hate and burn out completely in 10 years.

Unfortunately, the main reason why 90% of people work is money. So, know your worth. Always analyze the job market in your country, industry, and profession.

For example, if you earn $2,000 per month NET but see job listings for the same position offering $6,000-7,000 per month NET, why work for so much less?

If your current company promises to increase your salary to $6,000-7,000 in 2-3 years and it is a good company with other benefits, then maybe it’s worth waiting. But you should always do this market analysis to understand where you stand.

So, I worked very hard for a year, made many improvements in the company, and built a strong reputation. Then I went to my manager and explained my situation with solid arguments on why I deserved a raise.

I did not just ask for more money because others earned more. Instead, I collected proof of my contributions: what I improved, optimized, and how much money I helped the company save.

I did this 3 times over 4 years. Besides the standard annual salary increase, I also got 3 additional raises of 5-10% each time.

So, know your worth, show your results, and ask for a raise. If you don’t ask, you won’t get it. Don’t expect your boss to notice your hard work and offer you a raise. You have to do it yourself.

In many countries, companies hire new engineers for manual labor jobs like technician or operator. The idea is that young engineers should gain hands-on experience before moving to an office job. I support this approach. I also started as a technician after university.

But the key question is: how long will you stay in that role?

You should have asked it after one year if you were not promoted.

I understand that companies promise promotions and ask you to wait. Years pass very quickly. That’s why you need to be proactive and strict.

From the beginning, talk to HR and your managers. Ask what you can realistically expect and when. Be clear that you are willing to work as a technician or operator for 1-2 years maximum, but not longer.

If you are told that everyone waits 5+ years, don’t wait. Start looking for another job immediately.

The main lesson is simple: take control of your career. If the company does not keep its promises, leave and find a place where you are valued.

Many young engineers limit themselves without realizing it.

For example, I often meet engineers in Europe earning €2,000 per month. When I ask, “How much do you want to earn in 5-10 years?”, many say “At least €4,000 per month.”

I am not saying money is everything, but let’s be realistic. We all work for money. Why aim for €4,000 if you can aim for €10,000, €15,000, or more?

If your goal is €4,000, that is exactly what you will get.

So be ambitious, stay hungry, and set goals that truly excite you. Small goals do not inspire action.

This is a continuation of the previous point. Many people ask: how do I achieve these ambitious goals?

The answer is simple: start working on yourself as early as possible, ideally from university.

Develop your skills, learn languages, build experience, and take every opportunity to grow.

I have already explained this in another article where I break down exactly what you need to do and how to develop yourself starting from school and university.

But the key idea is simple: the earlier you start, the faster you grow.

See you soon.