Top 10 Second Careers for Engineers

Honestly, finding an engineering job with a corner seat and mailroom would not be possible. Engineers, especially in the civil and mechanical fields, have a tough job life. This is one of the reasons engineers are looking for a career change or transition. A career transition in the life of an engineer implies using the old developed skills to new challenges in the new job. In this article, we will see the top 10 alternative jobs for engineers and why a career change for engineers is necessary.

The Career Change for Engineers

The career change for engineers would require you to go through some phases where you have to learn something new, forget something old, and use skills you have not used for a long time.

The Engineering industry is not as simple as the simple area of employment. Engineers can step into several other sectors once they decide to quit their typical engineering jobs. The transition may sound difficult as it requires a person to move out of his comfort zone.

top 10 career change for engineers

Preparation Before Career Change

However, career change happens in three major steps.

  • Realization,
  • Deciding to move further,
  • and Doing it.

Skill-wise, thriving in the new environment comes to answering three basic questions.

  • What is valued?
  • What new needs to be learned?
  • What needs to be forgotten?

Hereunder is what an engineer should consider before a career transition-

Have Most Valued Skill

Every sector and every industry will have a particular skill set valued more than the other. When you decide to move on, first find the most valued skills in the industry. Make a decent resignation from your present organization and identify which characteristics and practices are rewarded. Be flexible and open, and your career change step will be successful.

Learn New Skills

Some industries see rapid changes. Some industries are slow. There can be a vast difference between your previous knowledge about an industry and what you are currently working on. It is important to research the industry thoroughly and know what needs to be added to the skill set to meet the requirements.

By rapidly learning what you need to learn, you are moving a step closer to your desired phase of life. Find areas where you need to get up to speed and areas that can wait.

Always Fill the Gap

No matter the dramatic change, you would not land a new job without applicable skills. The trick to mastering the career change for engineers is to leverage the applicable skills and the gap between new and old.

Engineers have the skill to adapt, learn, and change, so the transition period is smoother.

Be Focused

Clinging to some old practices does not usually make a lot of sense. Of course, it is not a blank state where you can free yourself from the past, but the key here is to learn what to apply and to forget the rest.

Second Careers for Engineers

Engineers can try their luck in several fields. But some fields require a little less effort than the rest. There are careers for engineers where engineering degrees can be used in non-engineering fields. Here are some second careers for engineers you can think about:

1. Research and development

Engineers can utilize their experience and skills to do research and development. They can become a scientist to contribute to our society.

2. Technical writing

Everyone is not perfect for technical writing. Engineers have technical skills, so they can easily fit into technical writing.

3. Patent Attorney

Engineers can clear the patent bar exam to become patent attorneys or agents. The responsibility of patent attorneys is to write and prosecute applications for patents at universities, corporations, law firms, or their own practices. The internet is full of resources, and you can easily get an idea of a career in patent law.

4. Business Leaders

There are many examples in the world where engineers are proven to be great business leaders. They can run a business and make it successful. One must have a few qualities to become a successful business leader.

  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Project planning
  • Attention to detail
  • Good communication
  • Teamwork
  • Data processing and numeracy
  • Technical knowledge
  • Computer skills

5. Software Product Management

Engineers are being hired for product management jobs in the software industry. They can become software product managers and assist as technical program managers, customer support, sales engineers, or project managers.

6. Teaching

Engineering colleges and universities hire only engineers to teach future engineers. Engineers can join these institutions as assistant professors and reach the professor position. Earning a Ph.D. degree or Fellowship is a must.

7. Management/Administration

Engineers make good managers. They have all the necessary qualities to fit in a managerial role. The only requirement is to earn an MBA degree and develop managerial skills to get into management.

8. Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is booming nowadays, and engineers can perfectly fit it. Engineers can learn digital marketing and can start their own digital marketing agency.

9. Finance Management

Fields like treasury management and risk management are open to engineers.

10. Sales Manager

Yes, engineers are becoming sales managers. The sales field is where engineers can give a damn try.

Career change for engineers

Benefits of Career Change for Engineers

Engineers can be hired because of their experience and knowledge in the new field. An extra skill from other candidates can be a reason for your selection.

It is required to ensure the advantages of a career change for engineers before stepping into a new career. What benefits should you get into a new career-

  • A higher salary
  • Appreciation for creative ideas
  • Cutting-edge projects
  • Scope for invention and experiments
  • Traveling
  • Contribution to society
  • Helping others

Are You Ready for a Career Change?

Before you take the final steps, here are some things you must keep in mind-

  • Give yourself the time to understand the change. Put an inconsiderable amount of thought, time, and investment during the transition.
  • Know what you want to do and how you want to do it.
  • Have a plan before you decide to move on.
  • Identify transferable skills.

Engineers have many skills that will help them in the transition phase.

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