Don't be a wallflower, and other tips for new hires
When I joined the IT industry as a chip designer more than 35 years ago, single- and double-circuit transistors and vacuum tubes were pushing the cutting edge of information processing. As a first-year engineer, I never could have imagined the impending six-orders-of-magnitude improvements in the speed, density, capacity and price/performance of the most fundamental information technologies.
That I was unable to fathom those technological advancements is no surprise. Like many new engineers, my focus at the time was on more important things, such as determining where I could find the resources I needed to get my job done. To this day, first-year engineers still require an environment that thrives on teamwork, freethinking and creativity, yet also provides the tools they need to maneuver through their daily workload. One could argue that the relationship between company and employee is absolutely two-way: Just as you contribute your talents to the organization, the organization in turn should strive to ensure that your needs, as both a professional and an individual, are met.
But making the transition from academia to the corporate world is a daunting proposition for many graduates. On my frequent visits to high schools and colleges I am often asked how engineering students should prepare for life in a large company — and what they can expect on the job. While the experience at every organization is different, here are a few key points that will help ensure success for new engineers.
Start with internships and co-op programs. Education will develop your technical skills, but an actual workplace is the only way you can learn to apply those skills relevantly to the real world. Consider on-the-job experience part of your education and give it equal weight.
Develop good communication skills. The engineer's job isn't 100 percent technical. A large part of developing new ideas is being able to communicate them — not only to peers, but also to nontechnical employees and those outside the organization. You'll be expected to write memos and reports, make presentations and sell ideas. Take advantage of programs that help you hone your speaking skills — and seek opportunities with industry associations; for instance, contributing to an engineering-society publication or presenting a paper at a symposium. Even writing the monthly newsletter for your apartment complex will keep your skills fresh. Being a good communicator will help you more effectively assimilate — and will help put you on a path to leadership.
Find a mentor, be a mentor. This is one of the most important programs we have at IBM. Our mentoring program connects new hires with seasoned veterans in their immediate department area, and also with senior-level executives. These relationships not only offer daily and long-term guidance to newcomers, they also keep executives in touch with the needs of engineers in the early stages of their careers. Even if you don't engage in a formal mentoring program, develop a relationship with someone you can go to for advice and to test ideas. You probably will find that you're offering advice as well as accepting it.
Don't be a wallflower. In our workplace, we encourage employees at every level to suggest, ask and challenge. This is perhaps the biggest hurdle new hires need to overcome; after all, walking into a 320,000-person company can be intimidating. But think in terms of being part of an intimate team.Encourage an open dialogue with your manager; and don't wait for him or her to initiate communication with you. If you don't know what is expected of you or how you're performing, ask. If you see ways that something can be improved, offer your thoughts. You have the safety to do so.
Go beyond your comfort level. The best way to stay energized in your career is to continually stretch your mind. Seek out new assignments that take you to the next step in your career development. But don't just wait for opportunities in the company; get involved in local engineering organizations such as IEEE, the Society of Women Engineers or even civic volunteer projects where your professional expertise might be coveted.
Maintain balance. Don't allow yourself to be overworked. Being burned out is counterproductive, especially in an environment that thrives on creativity. IBM and other companies offer flexible scheduling so that personal and professional lives can peacefully coexist. Take advantage of this opportunity to make room for outside activities in addition to work and family. We're serious about this; in fact, a well-rounded life is something we look for in new hires.
Be an advocate for your profession. Inexplicably, younger generations are losing interest in math- and science-oriented careers; in fact, the gap between open positions and qualified workers has already widened into a disquieting chasm.
Help ensure the future growth and leadership of your company by getting involved in activities such as National Engineers Week, school "career days," Scout programs and other related outlets where you can get young people excited and inspired by the possibilities afforded by a career in engineering.
There's never been a better time to start a career in engineering. The technology is exciting, the workplace offers more breathing room and the diversity of the work force continues to increase, making for richer experiences and opportunities. Dig in.
Nick Donofrio is senior vice president, technology and manufacturing for IBM Corp.
