Are you comfortable with what you have?

Last week I met with a very good electrical engineer that had a good grasp of his project and a plan for completion. He spoke about some new equipment that would be very helpful in finishing his tests. Once he decided what he wanted, he was leaving it to someone else in the group to request the funds. "I don't get into that..." he said, making clear his discomfort when talking about money.

I wished that he would get into that,
for his own sake.

In my experience working with brilliant engineers in a multitude of companies, I've found that the engineers with the healthiest careers are not necessarily the most technically capable. As measured by interesting projects, well-funded projects, variety of tasks, and job advancement, the most successful engineers are always more than just technical. Some of the traits that they also possess may include:

• Extensive networks (of people, not LAN)
• Public speaking prowess
• Leadership
• Sixth sense for finding funding
• Outspoken about their needs

Some people seem to do these things naturally, some people develop these traits throughout their careers, and some people avoid them forever.

Even if you are well-suited to the work that you are doing, take the time to think about what your long-term goals are.  Then, do the things that make you uncomfortable to achieve those goals.