Organizational Culture: What it's like out there
Engineering organizational culture is a little different from every other culture out there. The purpose of this page is to get you slightly acquainted with what to expect, once you finally step off the campus, and into the work force.
Organizational Culture Overview
In general, engineers have specific traits abut them. According to "The Mythos of Engineering Culture:
A Study of Communicative Performances and Interaction" by Paul M. Leonardi, engineers tend to prefer to work by themselves, and when communication is required, they prefer to talk with other engineers. That being said, every major university, employer, and engineering society is calling for reform on this subject, stating that the new generation of engineers must be able to communicate well, and work sufficiently in teams (Leonardi 2003). This new generation type of thinking is going to lead to a rift in the industry, that you will notice in the work force. You will have two types of engineers: the guys who liked it the old way, and the new guys, who never knew what the old way was, so they think the old guys are simply out of date. I would akin this to the automotive industry, where the older generation of automotive technicians preferred carburetors and rear wheel drive, to the fuel injected, sideways engines of today. When a rift like this is created, two major problems occur. First, there is not much respect for the older generation, as they cling to the old ways, and are hard pressed to change. Second, The older generation are you mid-management positions, making these folks even more set in their ways, and at the same time, harder to accept your new ways. The best way to adapt to this type of rift, I have found, is to apprentice with an older generation worker, learn from him, but keep up to date on the latest trends in the industry. This will make you a more marketable person.
Engineers typically have work patterns set in place, by themselves, and their employers. In an interview with Paul Greenwood, a consulting engineer for a firm in Utah, the day of a typical engineer was laid out. Greenwood works on a dozen different projects at a time, managing the needs of each of his clients. He states, "Everything I do is self motivated. For the most part, I am my own boss." (personal correspondence with Paul Greenwood September 2009). This shows the current trend in Leonardi's report listed above, stating how engineers typically work solo. That being said, Greenwood also has to get all of his projects signed off by a chief engineer, to make sure his projects meet quality standards before being sent to a client. Engineers also have to travel. Unless you are a parts designer, your work will probably be off site. Greenwood states that he is off site at least 70% of the time. This may pull you away from personal time with your family and friends, so be prepared. (Greenwood 2009). That being said, every engineering job is different, so it is dependent upon where you work.
In regards to the people who are typically engineers, the people themselves follow some personality patterns. Engineers are typically conservative people. They tend to be less about environmental issues, and more about the technology aspect of things. Engineers are also very detailed oriented. If something is designed out of specification, it can have serious consequences, which most people in the field are highly aware of. Engineers are, as they must be, very focused on the science aspect of the work. Numbers and math are seldom arguable. Either the numbers work, or they do not. Problems can occur in the math, but it is usually caused by miscalculation or misunderstanding. Engineers are not taught skills of reasoning or deduction. This is why new engineers in the field are typically teamed up with more experienced engineers, to pick up on these basic skills (Greenwood 2009).
This information boils down into a few simple facts, for the engineer fresh out of school. First, you are going to be a graduate, but people in the industry are not going to take you seriously, without experience. This is a fact of life in most industries. Get about five years of job experience in the mechanical engineering industry, and that will help significantly. Second, do not try and be an idealistic, change the world kind of person, right out of the gate. Build your reputation in the engineering field, and gain the necessary credibility. Once you have said credibility, you can then explore more idealistic means. Next, be prepared to deal with an industry that is constantly evolving and changing. While your mid-management may not appreciate your new work ethics of working in teams, and open communication, the company hired you for a reason. Make sure you know what the companies expectations are, and live up to them to the fullest. Finally, make sure you learn from the most knowledgeable people around you. There will always be one more tip or trick, that will make your life a lot easier. Stick with the more experienced engineers, and learn from them. They can be your best friend, or your worst enemy. Since these people will be your coworkers, it is best that they remain you friends.
I hope, as you have made your journey through this website, that you have a new and appreciated understanding for what it takes to be a mechanical engineer. I have shown you what it will take to become a mechanical engineer, what they write like, the best way to build experience, the best ways to find a job, staying connected with others, and what the industry is going to be like, once you make it to your first job after graduation. If you are still interested in becoming a mechanical engineer, contact an engineer in your area, and set up an interview or job shadow. You would be amazed what you can learn from following someone around on the job.
Organizational Culture Overview
In general, engineers have specific traits abut them. According to "The Mythos of Engineering Culture:
A Study of Communicative Performances and Interaction" by Paul M. Leonardi, engineers tend to prefer to work by themselves, and when communication is required, they prefer to talk with other engineers. That being said, every major university, employer, and engineering society is calling for reform on this subject, stating that the new generation of engineers must be able to communicate well, and work sufficiently in teams (Leonardi 2003). This new generation type of thinking is going to lead to a rift in the industry, that you will notice in the work force. You will have two types of engineers: the guys who liked it the old way, and the new guys, who never knew what the old way was, so they think the old guys are simply out of date. I would akin this to the automotive industry, where the older generation of automotive technicians preferred carburetors and rear wheel drive, to the fuel injected, sideways engines of today. When a rift like this is created, two major problems occur. First, there is not much respect for the older generation, as they cling to the old ways, and are hard pressed to change. Second, The older generation are you mid-management positions, making these folks even more set in their ways, and at the same time, harder to accept your new ways. The best way to adapt to this type of rift, I have found, is to apprentice with an older generation worker, learn from him, but keep up to date on the latest trends in the industry. This will make you a more marketable person.
Engineers typically have work patterns set in place, by themselves, and their employers. In an interview with Paul Greenwood, a consulting engineer for a firm in Utah, the day of a typical engineer was laid out. Greenwood works on a dozen different projects at a time, managing the needs of each of his clients. He states, "Everything I do is self motivated. For the most part, I am my own boss." (personal correspondence with Paul Greenwood September 2009). This shows the current trend in Leonardi's report listed above, stating how engineers typically work solo. That being said, Greenwood also has to get all of his projects signed off by a chief engineer, to make sure his projects meet quality standards before being sent to a client. Engineers also have to travel. Unless you are a parts designer, your work will probably be off site. Greenwood states that he is off site at least 70% of the time. This may pull you away from personal time with your family and friends, so be prepared. (Greenwood 2009). That being said, every engineering job is different, so it is dependent upon where you work.
In regards to the people who are typically engineers, the people themselves follow some personality patterns. Engineers are typically conservative people. They tend to be less about environmental issues, and more about the technology aspect of things. Engineers are also very detailed oriented. If something is designed out of specification, it can have serious consequences, which most people in the field are highly aware of. Engineers are, as they must be, very focused on the science aspect of the work. Numbers and math are seldom arguable. Either the numbers work, or they do not. Problems can occur in the math, but it is usually caused by miscalculation or misunderstanding. Engineers are not taught skills of reasoning or deduction. This is why new engineers in the field are typically teamed up with more experienced engineers, to pick up on these basic skills (Greenwood 2009).
This information boils down into a few simple facts, for the engineer fresh out of school. First, you are going to be a graduate, but people in the industry are not going to take you seriously, without experience. This is a fact of life in most industries. Get about five years of job experience in the mechanical engineering industry, and that will help significantly. Second, do not try and be an idealistic, change the world kind of person, right out of the gate. Build your reputation in the engineering field, and gain the necessary credibility. Once you have said credibility, you can then explore more idealistic means. Next, be prepared to deal with an industry that is constantly evolving and changing. While your mid-management may not appreciate your new work ethics of working in teams, and open communication, the company hired you for a reason. Make sure you know what the companies expectations are, and live up to them to the fullest. Finally, make sure you learn from the most knowledgeable people around you. There will always be one more tip or trick, that will make your life a lot easier. Stick with the more experienced engineers, and learn from them. They can be your best friend, or your worst enemy. Since these people will be your coworkers, it is best that they remain you friends.
I hope, as you have made your journey through this website, that you have a new and appreciated understanding for what it takes to be a mechanical engineer. I have shown you what it will take to become a mechanical engineer, what they write like, the best way to build experience, the best ways to find a job, staying connected with others, and what the industry is going to be like, once you make it to your first job after graduation. If you are still interested in becoming a mechanical engineer, contact an engineer in your area, and set up an interview or job shadow. You would be amazed what you can learn from following someone around on the job.
