A former Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Ilesa Branch, Engr. Mojirade Oloruntoba, PhD, has warned young engineers in early careers that engineering is a fiercely competitive but highly rewarding career. She However, assured them that they can navigate this pathway by following specific career strategies, writes, isqil Najim.
Oloruntoba, a Fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers stated this while delivering a presentation hosted by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Port Harcourt Branch titled “Expected Challenges for a Young Engineer in the Industry: Navigating the Early Years of Your Engineering Career” on October 27th 2024.
Oloruntoba who is also a former National Exco of NSE shed light on the often-daunting realities young engineers face upon entering the workforce. She pointed out that Engineering job is fiercely competitive and warned Young Engineers that they will face numerous challenges in the Industry before they become established.
Dr. Oloruntoba underscored the importance of proactively recognizing and addressing these challenges to ensure not only job satisfaction but also a thriving career in the long run.
She assured young engineers that while the pathway may be bumpy, the end results of success can be highly rewarding. To navigate this pathway she recommended various steps that younger engineers can take.
Navigating the Knowledge Gap:
The first challenge faced by young engineers when they enter labour market is the disparity between classroom knowledge and industry application. Academic curriculums prioritize theoretical knowledge and limited hands-on experience from their academic projects. This leaves graduates unprepared for the practical aspects of real-world of problem-solving. To bridge this gap, She suggested that Young engineers should seek internship opportunities, engage in self-directed projects that tackle real-world problems, and commit themselves to continuous learning.
Inadequate Communication
Dr Oloruntola said that inadequate communication skills can hamper career growth of young engineers since engineering is about collaboration, teamwork and idea sharing. A clear communication is essential for conveying ideas to colleagues, superiors, and even stakeholders with non technical background. She suggested that Engineers can improve their communication skills by focusing on using clear and concise language, incorporating diagrams and analogies for better understanding. She also advised them to hone their verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities. According to her, that young engineers should engage in public speaking practice, active listening exercises, and participation in group discussions in gatherings where their communication skills can be practiced.
Lack/Inadequate Mentoring
Mentorship can be a key part of a young engineers’ professional development, helping them gain skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the engineering field, she said. A good mentor can offer guidance on technical expertise, industry best practice, ethical considerations within the profession. According to her, a mentor also help in career planning, and personal growth. Through mentorship, she said young engineers can gain invaluable support system and confidence needed to become future leaders in the field.
Inadequate Professional Networking
Oloruntoba said that Networking can lead to useful referrals and allows the connection with industry interest as well as help gain valuable insights in the profession. She advised young engineers to cultivate the habit of attending industry conferences, joining relevant professional organizations like NSE, and utilise online platforms and other social media to connect with established professionals and gain valuable insights into the engineering landscape. She stressed that a strong network can be a game-changer when it comes to finding referrals and securing job opportunities.
Lack of Experience
Employers often seek candidates with hands-on experience, which can be challenging for recent graduates or professionals transitioning to a new industry, Dr Oloruntoba said. For recent graduates or those transitioning into a new engineering discipline, she noted that a lack of hands-on experience can be a major hurdle. She advised young engineers who found themselves with limited experience hindering their progression to think out of box and present themselves as viable option. She recommended that young engineers should highlight their transferable skills, such as problem-solving abilities, past achievements, analytical thinking, and project management experience to pitch themselves for the opportunity.
Competitive Environment
“The engineering environment’s competitiveness is driven by various factors such as an increasing number of graduates, rapid technological advancements, and a growing demand for skilled professionals. To stand out in this crowded market, adopt effective strategies,” She said.
To navigate this challenge, she told young engineers to actively participate in engineering communities events and use every opportunity to showcase their personal brand, skills and unique quality. She also said that they should constantly endeavour to learn new skills to stay ahead of the curve.
Dr. Oloruntoba who is a Deputy Director, Engineering Research at Prototype Engineering Development Institute (PEDI), suggested ways young engineers whether in early or middle career can navigate them. She advise engineers, young or old to follow news and updates in engineering, attend workshops, conferences, engage in meaningful professional dialogues, stay informed on trends and developments in engineering, volunteering in committees and most especially, they should learn to work with diverse teams and respect opinions as well as Manage conflicts and misunderstandings both at personal and work level.
Quoting the words of Michael Jordan “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” Oloruntoba encourage young engineers to see the Challenges as part of the growth process. She added that embracing these challenges with the right mindset and tools can lead to success. In so doing, young engineers can navigate the early years of their careers and achieve success in the ever-growing field of engineering.
NSE Ilesha Offers Tips to reviving Nigerian Economy through Small and Medium Enterprises
Thanks, very insightful.