Learning Where the Jobs Are

A useful IEEE site to keep tabs on is the one maintained by the New Technology Directions Committee. Its task is to keep an eye on technologies not currently covered by one of the specialized IEEE societies. Its Web site is at http://www.ieee.org/portal/pages/tab/meetings/ntdc/index.html.

Currently, the committee is eyeing biotechnology and bioengineering, distributed intelligent networks and systems, digital intellectual property, future power and alternative energy technologies, biometrics and security, organic electronics, portable information devices, and earth observations.

Competitors in your field or industry can also give you clues to new directions. Read their TV and print ads, look at their Web sites, and monitor their business strategies and their investments in research and development. Determine if they are getting into areas that you'd like to pursue.

By continually upgrading your technical skills--through additional degrees, continuing education programs, short courses, and workshops--or by getting new certifications, you'll be ensuring that you will stay on the leading edge of technology. Some of you may already be on a management track, and would benefit from, for example, a new certification program for engineering managers called Engineering Management Certification International. The program, offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, focuses on experience gained in managing engineering projects.

The point of all this effort is to help you actively and continually manage your career from graduation to retirement. Recently, I spoke at the ASME Young Engineers Forum about the importance of managing one's career from the outset. In technology, things change rapidly, so at any given time you can look ahead at best only three to five years to have a useful window on what options to pursue. And, in my career, I have been guided by the saying, "Follow your interests; don't follow the dollar."

In any case, as you manage your career, you always have three options:

Stay and grow in your current position and company.

There is always an opportunity to grow in your position, even if you're not satisfied with some conditions there, by learning new skills and by seeking greater work responsibilities. Don't look down on making a lateral move--even though some advise against it--because it can be a great opportunity to find a greener pasture of more interesting work.

Considering a midcareer change is the most difficult option, but it may be the right one for you if you feel very dissatisfied with your current track, if you find something much more interesting and appealing, and--the biggest if--if you have the qualifications and ability to succeed in the other field. This means that you must have, or get, the appropriate education, certification, and experience and have sufficient transferable skills (like the ability to work well with people and processes) to carry you through.

No one says that managing your career will be easy--certainly not in the fast-changing technology world. But if you want to be happier in your work, keep your eyes open, make sure your skills are up to date, be alert to opportunities in your field, and anticipate the need to make a move. And then take action!