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Career advice from senior or retired engineers

The purpose of this forum is highlight information from senior or retired engineers that will provide advice to new people entering the profession. 


The recent published articles by the IET:-

"Too old to be an engineer" in the E&T July 2019 magazine

"100,000 older workers kicked out of IBM, as company craved Googles Cool image" published August 1, 2019

started me thinking about the need to communicate advice on avoiding speed bumps during one's carrier.


During my 45+ years in engineer I have been laid off twice -once when I was 28 and again at 63.

I have worked for 9 companies in three countries where 8 of those companies are no longer in existence. 

Total time out of work has not exceeded 6 weeks.

I have made three complete changes in related technology/products.


Here is an example of the advice I received early on in my career:- "The young engineer knows the rules, the old engineer knows the exceptions" -- meaning even if one thinks one knows the answer ask the senior engineer if there is better solution.


Peter Brooks MIET

Palm Bay Florida USA


 

   


Parents
  • Hello Foffer:


    Regarding your comments about changing job functions and having a happier life.


    Based on my work experience getting laid off (in my late 20's and then in my 60's) were the best things that ever happened to me.


    The early one got me into a dynamic industry while the second one enabled me to check out a potential new retirement location.


    Regarding the video I think that the situation happens to every engineer at one time or other -- it rather like the "Emperor new clothes".


    Peter Brooks MIET

    Palm Bay Florida USA
Reply
  • Hello Foffer:


    Regarding your comments about changing job functions and having a happier life.


    Based on my work experience getting laid off (in my late 20's and then in my 60's) were the best things that ever happened to me.


    The early one got me into a dynamic industry while the second one enabled me to check out a potential new retirement location.


    Regarding the video I think that the situation happens to every engineer at one time or other -- it rather like the "Emperor new clothes".


    Peter Brooks MIET

    Palm Bay Florida USA
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