What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming an Engineer…

In this article I want to share why I chose engineering that as my profession, the mistakes I made, the lessons I learned, and what I'd change in my life and career if I could go back 20 years. These are the things I wish you knew before choosing engineering. After having worked in various companies and different countries, at sea, forest, swamps, desert, and having experienced all this firsthand, I can now evaluate my mistakes and share my experiences with you to help you avoid making the same ones.

The first thing I want to talk about is the choice of profession itself. Looking at the fields that are developing today and trying to look a bit into the future, I would never choose to study mechanical engineering. I’d better choose IT or finance and investments. Still, I understand that many people choose a career in mechanical engineering because of tradition or perceived stability.

Of course, it's easy to tell you that now, almost 20 years after finishing school. But at that time the internet was in its infancy, not to mention mobile phones, apps, metaverse, and artificial intelligence.

We also don’t know what will be in 20 or 30 years, but what I can say for sure is that your profession should be chosen seriously. If you don't have a clear talent in a particular area, or interest, for example, if you sing, draw, dance, or play sports professionally, and you don't know where to go or what to engage in.

I recommend going into fields where there is a big potential for future growth. You can already find many analytical reports on future professions and industries that will be in demand. I could definitely say it's not the oil and gas industry or something related to diesel engines, right?!

Next, what I would do differently in my career is try to enter top universities in the USA, Canada, or Australia right after school, or at least for a Master's degree. When I was finishing school, I didn't have an example to follow; I knew nothing about studying in other countries, for me it was like a dream. I only heard and read somewhere that studying abroad costs crazy money, and because of that, since my family was relatively poor, there were no other options for me but to attend a free state university in my country.

Of course, that this was a big misconception because even to top world universities, you can get admitted for free or with a significant discount or a good scholarship that would cover not only the costs of your studies but also your living expenses. There are also many different funds that finance students' education around the world.



At the same time, I see that many people do not know about this even today. Hey guys, open Google and start reading and studying about it, fortunately, everything is available online.

Next, what I would do differently studying at university, no matter whether in Europe, USA, Canada, or any other country, I would try to graduate with Distinction because when you are employed after graduating from university, this plays a significant role. These are the things I knew before becoming an engineer that would have made a difference.

I would also participate in all scientific conferences and competitions, I would make various publications and maybe even obtain a patent. All this gives you a huge advantage both after graduating from university and for many years to come.

Next, what I would do differently in my career is, after graduating from university, I would attend a Doctorate program. When I was finishing university, I considered it an absolutely crazy idea, saying that PhD is for nerds, for scientists in glasses, but not for me. I’m an engineer — it's time to earn money and build a career. But a successful mechanical engineer thinks long-term, not short-term.



Now, after engineering work in different companies and different countries, at sea, in forests, swamps, and deserts, and learning all this from the inside, I understand I was wrong — PhD offers huge advantages in your career and opens up completely new development opportunities, and you don't need to be a nerd in glasses, sitting all day somewhere in a lab — these are the old stereotypes that were a long time ago.

For those who are eager to work, there is a good option of a part-time PhD, it's studying in a doctoral program without the need to be constantly at the University, you work and build your career, while dedicating some time to study.

It will take a little longer than studying full-time, maybe 4 to 6 years, but it's still a good investment in your long-term future. About other advantages, a PhD degree can give you I explained in my Youtube video:

Next, what I would do differently is not to stay too long in one place and one company if you do not have constant career advancement. According to one study, people that you could say change jobs every 2–3 years, after 10 years, have a higher salary.

Of course, if you change jobs too often, like every year or even more often, then after 10 years you will only spoil your resume, recruiters call such people job-hoppers and used to avoid them for critical positions.

You need to have an understanding that the process of recruiting a new employee costs money — in the USA, it can be tens of thousands of dollars, so companies conduct several stages of interviews to make sure they take a suitable candidate who will not run away in a year.

So, changing jobs every 2–4 years looks the most optimal option and shows you as a candidate who loves to develop. In many industries, especially in a male dominated field like engineering, showing consistent progress and flexibility is a plus.

BUT, don’t take this as advice so that you will run to change your job. Any job has pros and cons, for example, if you have the same position in one of the best companies in the world, like Shell, BP, or Exxon Mobil, considering the oil and gas industry, then surely your salary will be at a very good level and running to another company for a small increase may not be worth it.

If you have engineering growth within the company — promotion, salary increase, new projects — then working your whole life in one company and building a stunning career can also be an excellent option. Also, many companies have severance bonuses for long-term work. For example, working for 20 years, you can receive $500,000 or even more when leaving. Also, many corporations work with pension programs — from the very beginning of your career they take around 10% from your salary, company doubles this money and invests in various pension funds, and if you work that long — 15–20 years and more — when you retire you will receive several thousand dollars a month pension, depending on the years worked.

So guys, there is no single path for everyone. If you work in one of the best companies and your salary is at the average level in the industry or even above, you are satisfied with your boss and colleagues, your career is developing — then you do not need to look for other options.

But if you work for a “Brass Plate” company, your salary is significantly below the highest paying that engineering jobs in the industry, terrible working conditions, your boss is a nightmare — then look for another place that will value you.