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Joel Orr
Coach
Joel Orr Coaching
(650) 969-6752
After a long career as an expert consultant, author, and speaker in CAD/CAM and engineering automation, Joel now focuses on helping engineering professionals with life and business issues, as a coach...more»»
new career?
Posted by Ewen from Taupo, NZ on June 14, 2009
Hi Joel,
I have been a farmer all my life and always enjoyed the engineering side of it. I enjoy the being able to put ideas onto paper, and I have started to use turbocad. Wwhat the best way to look into moving into a engineering career? There seem to be alot of avenues to go down. I am 49; is it too late?
First of all, 49 is NOT too late. But whether you are 19 or 49, you must craft a plan that suits your circumstances and your goals--positive vision tempered with realism.
So, what is your goal? To be employed as an engineer by some enterprise? If that is the case, you will probably need an engineering degree. Depending on your academic background, this could take 2-4 years.
Can you afford to go to school at this time? There are ways to acquire much of the knowledge without the certification: MIT and other schools, for example, have most of their courses available on-line for free.
Many community colleges offer two-year programs that can serve as a good basis for an engineering education.
If you have contacts and relationships in your community with people who know you and who need engineering assistance, you might be able to arrange for a sort of apprenticeship/internship.
If you have developed specific skills or products that exercise your engineering abilities, you might be able to set yourself up as a small business--a consultancy or manufacturer.
The world of engineering is very broad, and there are often needs for people of every educational background. "Scratching" your engineering "itch" may be quite feasible. Talk to a few local engineers for more ideas. And see if there is a SCORE office in your region (www.score.org); it is a non-profit organization of retired executives that offers help to small business.
Warmly,
Joel
Want to move to en engineering career
Posted by Santosh from Secunderabad, IN on May 21, 2009
Dear Joel,
I’m basically a mechanical engineer, i.e. I have done my graduation in mechanical engineering. I worked in the machine-building division of a company which was manufacturing machines for cleaning cotton and wool. I was a trainee engineer in that company for a year. After that I planned to do my CAD/CAM/CAE course which was a master’s certificate course for six months full time.
Since I could not get a job immediately after finishing the course and due to some family constraints I had to move into a job of audio engineering. The organaization I joined offered me hands-on training in Nepal for two months after which I had to come back and help the company get digital gear for the audio studio they had. I had to get this equipment from Singapore. I was also involved in the construction of two speech-only studios, one in India and another in Bangladesh. During this period I have been involved in a lot of technical audio-related work which was for the Short Wave (SW). I have also been a part of many of the audio/radio related confrences in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
I had reached a level where I had done a lot of audio work and was wanting to look to do something more exciting, and so after six years in the audio field I left that organaization and jumped to an IT company at the beginner level in an HR job where I have to do some data entry in SAP (HR). I took this plunge with the intention of moving to the engineering division after two years. This company has a policy where they allow a person to have a change in role after two years. Now I have completed my two years and would like to know if I’m on the right track.
I’m wanting to do some CAD/CAM/CAE courses again and move to the engineering division in this company or elsewhere. I’m aware of the economic meltdown’s effect on the manufacturing industry and would like to prepare myself. The economy now seems to be picking up, and I want to be ready when the market is up. Please guide me as what move I should take next. I would be thakful if you can tell me specifically how I need to manuver myself for the rest of the career. I would also like you to mention which CAD/CAM/CAE courses are up-beat in the market and which would help me get a job immediately. My total experience is about nine years now. I know I should have been at a managerial position by now, but I would be starting from the beginner level.
Looking forward to your help.
Wow! You have certainly covered a broad range of topics, and have built up a great deal of engineering experience in your career so far. And I want to congratulate you on being willing to take a more junior position, when necessary, to further your long-term career goals.
I wish I had the wisdom to answer your questions directly. But you see, nobody but you can say if you are "on the right track." It sounds like you are being very thoughtful about your transitions and direction, so my guess is that you are, in fact, on the right track. You must be the judge of this: Do you feel like you are advancing in the direction you want for the long term?
With regard to specific CAD/CAM/CAE courses: Again, the answer is, "it depends." In your location, what CAD programs are in use? What CAE programs? This training is software-specific. While it is not too difficult to convert between, say, Inventor and SolidWorks, companies seeking to hire people with training in one or the other will prefer those who have specific training in the product they use.
And of course, there is no training that I know of that can guarantee you a job, anywhere. You must be sensitive to local needs and choose accordingly. I am confident that a person of your resourcefulness and broad experience will not be without work for long. I wish you success in your choices!
Warmly,
Joel
Back to industry
Posted by Joe from Canton, MI, US on May 20, 2009
After several years of being out of engineering due to family health issues what do you recommend to get back in the game? How should the time span be covered in my resume?
Truthfully. And while resumes are important, they don't usually get you the job. Be creative in seeking out introductions through personal connections.
You need to create the opportunities to meet people who are hiring. Get on the phone. Be positive. Be the person you would hire.
PE and the Industrial Exemption
Posted by Phil from Hoquiam, WA, US on May 13, 2009
What are your thoughts on the “Industrial Exemption” to Professional Licensing? I have my license. My boss, the Engineering Manager, does not. It’s frustrating and nearly universal.
My opinion about it, unfortunately, is unlikely to relieve your frustration.
Suggestion: Focus on those things that can move you forward in your career.
Personal coaching
Posted by Kurt from San Jose, CA, US on April 30, 2009
Joel,
Do you do personal coaching on career development? I am in the process of developing a self-employed consulting practice. The advice you gave to Henry I am in the process of completing. I would like to contact you to discuss the “business plan” I am pursuing and hear your comments.
I do. Email me at joel@joelorrcoaching.
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