The Five S
Engineering Your Edge
The Five S is a presentation I put together that shares my thoughts on how students and young engineers can help boost their careers.
by Peter Membrey
The Five S
01
Shoot
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Showcase
03
Seek
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Socialize
05
Stay
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Start
01
Take the Shot
Shoot
Venture into the Unknown
Diverse Courses
Consider subjects outside your major or comfort zone.
Unique Workshops
Engage in seminars or workshops that challenge conventional thinking.
Pursue Ambitious Opportunitinies
Stretch Internships
Apply for positions that may seem a level above. They value enthusiasm and fresh perspectives.
Aspirational Job Roles
Don’t shy away from roles you feel slightly under qualified for. Often, potential is as valuable as experience.
Commit to Challenging Projects
Ambitious Endeavors
Join or initiate projects that aim high, even if they seem daunting.
Dive Deep
Engage in comprehensive research or endeavors. The insights gained can be invaluable.
Engage in Growth-Oriented Clubs
Diverse Interests
Consider clubs or groups outside your immediate interests to foster varied skills.
Leadership Roles
Taking the lead, even if you feel hesitant, can be a significant growth opportunity.
Seek Broad Mentorship
Varied Fields
Engage with mentors from diverse areas to gain a holistic perspective.
Valuable Feedback
Regularly seek advice, especially as you navigate unfamiliar territories.
02
Show your Work
Showcase
Digital Portfolios
GitHub Repositories
Highlight your coding skills and projects. Showcase collaboration and continuous learning.
Personal Websites
A dedicated space to present your journey, portfolio, and achievements.
Narrate Your Journey
Blogs
Share your experiences, insights, and challenges. A great way to document and reflect on your tech journey.
YouTube Channel
For those more comfortable in front of a camera, chronicle your tech adventures, tutorials, or reviews.
Engage in Online Communities
Forums & Boards
Participate on platforms like Stack Overflow or Reddit. Answer questions, provide solutions, or share experiences.
LinkedIn Articles
A more professional platform to share insights, connect with industry peers, and discuss the latest tech trends.
Highlight Achievements & Learning
Certificates & Badges
Showcase your online course achievements, certifications, or any accolades on platforms like LinkedIn.
Project Demonstrations
Share case studies, results, or video demonstrations of projects you’ve undertaken. No lesson is too small!
Feedback & Collaboration
Open Source Contributions
Engage in collaborative coding, get feedback, and showcase your teamwork.
Peer Reviews
Encourage others to provide feedback on your online work. Constructive criticism can refine your skills and presentation.
03
Never Stop Learning
Seek
Embrace Continuous Education
Part-Time Courses
Evening or weekend classes can introduce you to new areas without overwhelming your schedule.
Online Platforms
Websites like Coursera, Udemy, or Khan Academy offer courses across a plethora of domains.
Stay Current with Industry Trends
Subscribe to Journals
Industry-specific journals or magazines provide the latest in engineering advancements and research.
Tech News Platforms
Stay informed about tech trends, breakthroughs, and innovations.
Engage in Hands-On Learning
DIY Projects
Even small hands-on projects can offer profound learning experiences.
Hackathons & Workshops
Engage in real-time problem-solving and innovation while collaborating with peers.
Expand Beyond Engineering
Interdisciplinary Learning
Delve into areas like management, design, or even psychology. It can offer fresh perspectives and enhance problem-solving skills.
Soft Skills
Communication, leadership, and empathy are just as vital. Consider workshops or courses that cultivate these.
Create a Habit of Curiosity
Dedicated Learning Hours
Set aside regular hours each week, even if it's just a few, dedicated to learning something new.
Join Learning Groups
Being part of a group or club can keep you motivated and offer diverse learning avenues.
05
Stay True to Yourself
Stay
Authenticity in Communication
Voice Genuine Opinions
When asked for input or feedback, provide your honest perspectives.
Transparent Conversations
Clearly convey your aspirations, strengths, and areas you wish to improve on.
Mutual Respect in Interviews
Two-Way Process
Remember that while they're evaluating you, you're also assessing if the company or role aligns with your values and aspirations.
Ask the Right Questions
Determine if the culture, work, and environment are a fit for you.
Maintain Humility & Openness
Accept Feedback
Be open to feedback, and consider it as an avenue for growth rather than criticism.
Admit to Not Knowing
It's okay not to have all the answers. Admitting you don't know can often be a strength.
Guard Your Values & Principles
Non-Negotiables
Identify your core values and ensure that your professional journey doesn't compromise them.
Alignment Check
Periodically evaluate if your role, tasks, and company culture still align with your personal values.
Embrace Your Unique Identity
Celebrate Differences
Your unique experiences, perspectives, and skills make you stand out. Cherish and leverage them.
Comfortable Environment
Seek roles and workplaces where you can be yourself and thrive without constantly wearing a facade.
**
The best time to start was yesterday!
Start
Value of Consistency
Gradual Growth
Regular, small contributions over time will show a richer and more comprehensive journey than one grand gesture.
Build Momentum
Like a snowball effect, the more you contribute and engage, the more it grows in value and impact.
Historical Showcase
Evolution Over Time
A consistent record provides a clear picture of your progress, learnings, and evolution.
Timestamped Achievements
Each contribution or piece of work serves as a timestamp, building a story of your professional journey.
Proactive vs. Reactive
Don’t Wait for a Need
Start your endeavors not when you desperately need them, but when you're passionate and motivated.
Future Preparedness
By the time you realize you need a robust portfolio or network, building one might be challenging.
The Power of Today
Immediate Action
Each day you delay is a missed opportunity to add to your growth narrative.
Small Steps Count
Even if it’s just a short blog post, a code snippet, or a network connection, start now.
Long-Term Vision
Sow Seeds for Tomorrow
The efforts you invest today can reap benefits in terms of the unforeseen opportunities of tomorrow.
Continuous Commitment
Regular contributions not only show skill but also dedication, commitment, and vision.
Peter Membrey is a Chartered Fellow of the British Computer Society, a Chartered IT Professional and a Chartered Engineer.
He has a doctorate in engineering and a masters degree in IT specialising in Information Security. He's co-authored over a dozen books and a number of research papers on a variety of topics. These days he is focusing his efforts on creating a more private Internet, raising awareness of STEM and helping people to reach their potential in the field.
the.engineer
04
Reach out and build your network
Socialize
Connect with Thought Leaders
Engage with Researchers
If an area of study fascinates you, connect with experts in the field to discuss, question, and learn.
Follow & Interact
Engage with influential figures on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or academic forums.
Collaborate on Passion Projects
Open Source Endeavors
Contribute to projects you admire and initiate discussions with the project leads or maintainers.
Joint Ventures
Partner with peers or industry professionals on projects or research initiatives.
Networking Events & Seminars
Attend Workshops
Join workshops, conferences, or webinars to meet like-minded individuals.
Participate Actively
Don’t just be a passive attendee. Ask questions, share insights, and initiate conversations.
Seek Guidance & Mentorship
Industry Professionals
Connect with engineers from companies or sectors you're interested in to gain insights.
Regular Check-ins
Building a relationship isn’t a one-time event. Regularly update mentors or industry contacts about your progress and seek advice.
Be Genuine in Your Approach
Share Genuine Interest
When reaching out, ensure it's based on mutual interest and a genuine wish to engage.
Reciprocity
Networking isn't just about taking. Offer help, provide insights, or share resources. It's a two-way street.