Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

How do you know WHEN to make a job change in the engineering profession? What issues besides compensation need to be considered? What strategies help develop a solid career track?

From: Doug Finch


ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

Hi Doug -

The two key areas for evaluating when to make a job change involve timing and attitude. They can best be illustrated by:

1. Timing - The Brick Wall Theory - Engineers typically gain 80-90% of the job knowledge related to any specific area in approximately 12-24 months. At this point, the person's knowledge has "hit the brick wall" in terms of rapid growth and advancement. If they do not move on to new areas and responsibilities, they will be caught in the last phase of the "Expertise Cycle" whereby they will spend the next 8-10+ years mastering the final 10-20% of the job. When you have hit the brick wall, you need to move on to another job within your company or find a new employer. If not, you will stagnate in your career growth.

2. Attitude - The Pillow Test - When you lay your head down on the pillow at the end of the day, are you satisfied with what you have accomplished in your work life? And when you pick your head up off the pillow at the beginning of the day, are you looking forward to going to work? If the answer to either or both of these questions is "No" then your work attitude is probably affecting your performance and your overall career. Again, find new work within your company or move on.

I hope my comments and insights have been helpful.

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All job search information at this forum is provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter, the definitive guide for college grad job search. Used by permission of the author.