Engineering Up skilling

Right now, it’s tough out there if you work in Tech.  Don’t give up.  It’s a cyclic business – I know that doesn’t help right now if you’ve been affected but just know that even though the reasons are different this time – tech has its ups and downs like every industry.  It does come back.

If you’re affected and I say this with empathy, keep going, doing your best every day.  It will change.  There are lots of posts about how to keep yourself engaged in the finding work stage of this – let me cover a different area.

As engineers we work in a knowledge-based industry where your value is determined by what you know (and other factors).  If you’re between jobs what you probably have now, more than ever is time.  Use this time effectively and come back with a stronger base for your next job.

If you’re a software coder spend some time brushing up on your coding skills, tackle some algorithm problems, work on your system design skills, practice doing database modeling.  These are perishable skills – you don’t want them to get to rusty so practice.

If you’re a software architect, reading up on different industries and issues they face can bring a whole new dimension to your game when you’re at your next interview.  Practice taking something complex and making it simple to understand.  Learn another cloud platform.

If you’re a manager, be it a first line manager or a director, or VP work on your leadership skills.  Read up on new ways to hold 1:1s, manage performance reviews, communicate ideas, or effectively negotiate with vendors.

Last practice interviewing.  The more practice you have the more confident you will feel.  Adding new areas of knowledge will help you be confident when the time comes.  Be ready.

Good luck.