A new study of the Design Engineering group of Endeavor Business Media shows that many companies did not have a plan of action to deal with a ‘crisis’ situation and are now working on developing one. Similarly, we as hydraulic engineers need to personally have a career plan to weather out these uncertain times.
Let’s take a look at a few key findings from the study and how we can translate them into a personal career preparedness plan.
Challenge: Stay at home mandates
Working from home has been one of the big changes. Companies reported that for 35% the level of business activity has decreased. Less work means less employees needed. We see this reflected in personal working status for over 54% of respondents transitioning to full- or part-time working from home.
Even if personally as hydraulic engineers we can transition to a home office, it is still unclear how or workload can and will change due to our customers and suppliers not being able to adjust to remote working. In some cases it is of course not possible to fully work remotely.
Prepare a fully operational home office
Ensuring you are set-up well to work from home is an imperative. Consider having a quiet space, a comfortable chair and table as the basics, but don’t forget to ensure all the software you need is available on your home computer. If some of your usual software is not available, look for an alternative program that can be used on your lighter home machine.
Contacting your software provider for an additional license to work from home may also be a possibility.
Even if many of us are returning to the office, having a home office set-up is a great way to remain operational in case of a new situation.
Challenge: Budget cuts
It’s logical to see companies are responding with a cautious approach to spending: cutting on equipment purchases and suspending contract services. Unfortunately, 31% of respondents reported they had to reduce staff.
Gain new skills
Perhaps you found yourself without a job, or with reduced workload. It is a good chance to ensure your skills are current and use the time to expand those skills. One way to make yourself more marketable to new potential employers or clients is to learn new software that can help you offer quicker service or add value to your current offering, or offer expanded service.
Paro Software supports this very much, and we offer a 1 month free trial for engineers to have ample time to test out working with HydroSym. Knowledge of working with a software adds value and could be a differentiating factor if you are looking for a job.
Be obsessed with customers
This is a best practice for any time, not just times of uncertainty. Putting customers at the center and exceeding their expectations has become the standard operating procedure (SOP). In the current situation, as projects are placed on hold and cost-cutting abound, staying close to your customers to continue to deliver value is critical. Be involved in their decision-making on how work can continue. If you stay close to them, you have a chance to be a part of the solution.
Be visible
At a time where a lot of movement is happening in companies, it is important to remain visible to those who may be searching for your expertise.
Update your LinkedIn profile
Add specific projects
Adjust your Skills section to include new software programs and skills, such as HydroSym and HydroMan
Potential employers are often searching for specific skills to find the right candidate. If you like to write, create a short article on LinkedIn about a relevant topic — this can also showcase your expertise and make your profile more searchable.
