Research by EngineeringUK predicts 173,000 new engineering and technology jobs in the UK by 2030. Engineering is set to boom in the coming years, with ample opportunities open to those aiming to advance their careers.
With rapid advancements in technology and regulatory bodies putting more emphasis into people safety, environmental impact and compliance, engineering becomes a profession beyond development and deployment of solutions.
Looking at the pace we are advancing, the skills needed for the future are multi-dimensional. It’s not just about honing in on one skill but combining your technical and human skills to yield the best outcome. While hard skills such as machine learning, AI and data analysis are critical, they need to be married with soft skills that make us human, and allow us to foster a collaborative and innovative workforce.
Resilience to face the unknown, willingness to learn new skills, confidence to try new things, leadership to make decisions and attitude and work ethics are the soft skills young engineers will need to foster to succeed.
As one of the leading Professional Engineering Institutions (PEIs), the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) is here to guide and support engineers at all stages with their career mapping and professional development. We are committed to ensuring that the next generation of operations engineers get off on the right track; we offer free membership for students on full-time college or university courses or an approved apprenticeship scheme. As part of our commitment to newly qualified engineers, we also offer a special class for recent qualifiers, giving you full MSOE (‘Member’) benefits at a reduced rate, which gives you time to gain the required experience to move to full Member Class. Learn more here.
While professional bodies like SOE can support you with the tools and advice to progress, there are three things young engineers should focus on if you’re serious about building a long-term career in engineering – let's call them key pillars to succeed in engineering.
Pillar 1: Never stop learning – invest in your CPD
CPD, or Continuous Professional Development plays a vital role in staying relevant and competitive in an ever-evolving engineering landscape. As technology advances and safety, environmental, and regulatory expectations increase, CPD ensures that you remain up to date with the latest industry practices, standards, and innovations.
SOE members benefit from a library of industry leading CPD content, from recorded webinars and podcasts to technical guides (such as our recent Pathways to Progress career guide) and publications.
These tools not only ensure professional success but also help uphold the highest standards of safety, compliance, and innovation in an evolving industry. Now is the time to invest in your professional journey and position yourself at the forefront of engineering excellence. Learn more here.
Pillar 2: Get yourself a mentor
Before you explore promotion or transition opportunities, you are more likely to succeed if you have a mentor or coach who understands the breadth of your abilities and can advise on possible paths to take.
Having a mentor from a PEI) such as SOE can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout your career journey. Mentors bring industry expertise and firsthand knowledge of the pathways to professional registration, career advancement, and navigating challenges in the engineering sector.
Having a mentor means you can:
- Receive tailored guidance from experienced engineers to help you navigate your career path, develop key skills, and achieve professional milestones more efficiently.
- Gain access to expert advice and support from mentors as you navigate the process of achieving your EngTech, IEng or CEng
- Broaden your professional network by connecting with industry professionals and peers
- Boost your confidence and competence by helping you prepare for greater responsibilities in your career
Pillar 3: Verify your experience through Professional Registration
Professional Registration is an internationally recognised means of demonstrating your professionalism and competency.
Professional Registration with either the Engineering Council or the Society for the Environment can be achieved through academic qualifications or demonstrating relevant experience or the completion of a technical report. Registrants must be a member of a Professional Engineering Institution like the SOE to apply.
If you explore the Professional Registration route, you’ll have the support of assessors and experts at your disposal to guide you on the right path, and help you navigate the process of achieving your credentials.
From a client services perspective, professional qualifications demonstrating competence and commitment provide reassurance to management, customers and auditors that you are engaged in sound engineering and operational practices.
Professional Registration is a valuable career investment, demonstrating your expertise, commitment, and credibility. It enhances your professional standing, opens doors to new opportunities, and reinforces trust in your engineering and operational practices.
The engineering sector is poised for significant growth, offering abundant opportunities for career advancement. By pursuing Professional Registration, engaging with mentors and committing to Continuing Professional Development, engineers like you can enhance your skills, credibility, and impact.
The SOE is licensed by both the Engineering Council and the Society for the Environment to offer Professional Registration. Get started by becoming an SOE member today.
Learn more about SOE’s membership options for students, graduates and apprentices here.
The Student Engineer is a special channel of The Engineer aimed at educating and inspiring engineering undergraduates about the career opportunities in engineering and also offering practical advice on how they can access these opportunities.
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