Experis Survey of Engineers Offers Career Advice in Recognition of National Engineers Week

MILWAUKEE, Feb. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuously enhancing technical skills and actively collaborating on the job are among the top pieces of advice offered by experienced engineers to their newer counterparts, according to a survey released today by Experis, the global leader in professional resourcing and project solutions in engineering, IT and finance. In recognition of National Engineers Week, February 19 – 25, Experis surveyed 137 engineers to gather insights for new engineers on how to succeed in the field.

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According to the Experis survey, engineers listed the following as the top three pieces of career advice for new engineers:

1. Continuously enhance technical skills
   Technology is constantly evolving, and experienced engineers advise new engineers to keep their technical and problem solving-skills sharp. Cross-training and the ability to be versatile are also emphasized.
2. Actively collaborate on the job
   Engineers advise their new colleagues to get out from behind their desks, walk the floor, ask questions and seek out the expertise of others, including more experienced engineers. The ability to listen and communicate well are central to success.
3. Network with engineers and business experts
   Respondents advise new engineers to network with other engineers and other business leaders. Doing so is recognized as being helpful in one's current role, and also in developing ongoing opportunities. 

"At Experis we work every day with experienced engineers in diverse industries, and they have valuable insights and observations about how to succeed in this time of rapid change," said Rich Hutchings, Experis vice president of engineering.  "It's not surprising that experienced engineers recognize technical skill proficiency as the number one priority for new engineers.  But our survey also shows that over the course of their careers, it's more than just a degree and skills that make an engineer successful.  Collaboration, communication skills and networking are important drivers of success."

The Experis survey reports that 70 percent of survey respondents identified soft skills as a moderate to high level of concern when interacting with new engineers on the job.  Soft skills can be identified as the ability to communicate, negotiate, collaborate and lead in team projects. In addition, 59 percent of engineers surveyed report a moderate to high level of concern in finding the right young engineers for open positions.  Also, 57 percent cite a moderate to high level of concern with the ability of young engineers to successfully interface with more experienced engineers.

According to the 2011 Manpower Talent Shortage Survey, U.S. employers rate engineers as the third hardest job to fill.  Engineers have been on the Top Ten Hardest Jobs to Fill list since 2008.

"The good news is that engineers are in top demand today and those new to the field have strong job prospects.  However, as young engineers gain experience and become involved in more complex projects or managerial positions, the need for well-defined soft skills becomes critical for getting ahead and moving up the ladder," said Rich Hutchings, Experis vice president of engineering.  

To view more survey results and career tips, visit www.experis.us/natleng.  For more information about National Engineers Week, visit http://www.eweek.org/Home.aspx

About the Survey

A total of 137 engineers participated in the survey.  Fifty-four percent of respondents have 11 or more years of experience, and 70 percent have been in the field at least six years. Nearly 90 percent describe themselves as either mechanical, electrical, industrial/manufacturing, quality/safety or computer engineers.

About Experis

Experis™ is the global leader in professional resourcing and project-based solutions. Experis accelerates organizations' growth by intensely attracting, assessing and placing specialized expertise in IT, Finance and Engineering to precisely deliver in-demand talent for mission-critical positions and projects, enhancing the competitiveness of the organizations and people we serve. Experis is part of the ManpowerGroup family of companies, which also includes Manpower, ManpowerGroup Solutions and Right Management. To learn more, visit www.experis.us.

SOURCE Experis