Recently, I’ve been temporarily assigned to coordinate a process that highlights and addresses customer issues at my company. I was not sure how I’d feel in this new assignment but, to my surprise, I’ve enjoyed having this new challenge. Previously, the majority of my tasks included analyzing data, making charts, etc. Although the analytical, data focused work can be fulfilling as people depend on the information that I provide, a change of pace has also been rewarding.
With this temporary assignment, I’m exposed to new issues virtually everyday. I collaborate and meet with new people on an ongoing basis, I lead cross functional meetings, and I have many “irons in the fire” so I’m constantly stimulated. I get to learn about new products/processes, and I’m constantly challenged to find new/creative solutions to everyday issues.
Since college, I’ve been in a number of positions within 3 companies…everything from engineer to product manager to labor estimator. Some of these positions I liked better than others, but as time has progressed, I’ve learned what aspects I enjoyed most in each position that I’ve held. For example, here are a few examples:
Position 1: Engineering intern – freedom to create and manage projects
Position 2: Manufacturing engineer – research, learn & teach; manage project implementation
Project 3: Process engineer – learning new processes, accountability for projects, producing results
Position 4: Industrial engineer – talking/networking with people
Position 5: Labor estimator – ambiguous projects that require creative solutions, negotiable/flexible deadlines
If you notice, these position descriptions do not at all allude to what I learned from the daily activities. A person could assume that I am highly analytical and introverted. However, after getting to know me, it is clear that I am very outgoing, sensitive, and creative.
So when you apply/interview for positions, you should not only ask the routine questions, but try to find out the skills needed to be successful in the job. Of course, this happens after you’ve made a personal inventory of what you’ve most enjoyed in past activities/jobs.
I’m eager to hear your feedback.
Daphne
Filed under: Jobs/Positions | Tagged: ambiguous, analysis, charts, college, creative, data, deadlines, engineer, exhausted, flexible, freedom, industrial, intern, job, manager, manufacturing, network, new, office, position, process, products, projects, quality, solutions, talking
I’m a product engineering intern. This Friday my time as an intern is officially up (I teared up the other day thinking about it), but I have learned more at my internship than I did in college passing courses to get my degree. As an intern, I was able to see firsthand what skills are needed for each position because I was rotated throughout the company departments. A lot of it actually surprised me.
I agree that you can never truly understand the pros and cons of each job unless you’re sitting there doing it for awhile.
Heather,
Thanks for your comment. Sorry to hear about your internship ending soon. However, hat sounds really cool – a product engineering intern (hopefully you can get hired there full-time if you think it’s a good match for you).
I just read an article about adult interns also…everyone needs to know what skills are needed to be successful in a position. That typical interview question, “Can you describe a typical day in this position?” just doesn’t cut it anymore.
If you don’t mind sharing, what did you learn in terms of the soft skills? Do you think the job is a good match for your personality, goals, etc.? What do you think colleges can do in preparing students for working in the real world?
Thanks again for your input,
Daphne
http://www.careercougar.com
It’s ending because I am graduating, but being an intern is more a lifestyle than anything
So I will miss that.
As an intern, my goal was only to learn. My first company taught me a lot, but after 2 years I left because they were not allowing the program to grow with my needs as far as moving farther along in my schooling. My company now has rotated me throughout the different departments here and that has been a great experience. I have had exposure to pretty much every department concerning our product.
The company culture was where the match with my personality came in to play. Each company was different, and I think that as an intern or full time employee, it’s crucial to make sure that you can accept the atmosphere. I have interned in relatively laid back companies, and I don’t believe that I could enjoy doing anything in a company that is not willing to loosen their ties a little bit. My internship has shown me that it’s the people around me that will make the job, not so much the job itself. I don’t know if that’s necessarily true, but that’s what I have determined from my own observations.
I personally think that schools could benefit by offering a “charisma” class. Maybe it’s different elsewhere, but some students at my school, myself included, suffer from not knowing what to say during small talk. Engaging with others, at least for engineers, is 3/4 of the job. I have learned a lot about how to interact with people, but I know I have looked like an idiot once or twice.
Heather,
That’s an excellent point. I was talking with a co-worker today, and although he’s from a very structured (even stuffy) work environment, he just found an employer that would allow him to wear sneakers and shorts to the office. He was even willing to take a pay cut to work at this place.
I love the idea of a “charisma” class. I work with lots of people who have such technical talent, but they aren’t able to hold a conversation or have “small talk” as you mentioned. Managers definitely want people with talent but also someone with whom they can easily interact and build a rapport.
I’ve read a couple great books on learning how to interact with people anywhere, anytime: How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie and The Power of Meeting New People by Debra Fine. As the author Debra Fine states, “When you are an astute observer, you’ll notice that your new acquaintance is giving your a wealth of free information you can use to keep a conversation going”. Check them out at your local library first to see if you like them enough to buy.
Heather, thanks again for your responses. I wish you well in your career and everything else. I’m sure you’ll do very well in whatever endeavors you pursue. Please feel free to contact me anytime.
Kindest Regards,
Daphne Robinson