Design News for Mechanical and Design Engineers

So, do engineers have to move at mach speed to advance in their careers? It probably helps, but other traits can help too. Here's good advice from one reader: "Take the initiative in projects, and don't wait for others to make decisions," says hydraulics and pneumatics engineer Don Covin, an owner of Tower Automotive. Covin says one of the most critical skills engineers can have is the ability to identify problems and then have the confidence and courage to try a solution. "Try something even if it might not work," he says. Taking the initiative will increase your value to your company and your customers.

Be decisive and proactive; it might help you cope with those shrinking design cycles.

Here is another piece of career advice: Show off your best engineering work by entering it in the Design News Excellence in Design Contest! There are at least four reasons to enter:

1. You can win prizes. Big prizes, including money.
2. You can win bragging rights. We get hundreds of entries. It's quite a testimonial to your own skill to win.
3. You will win the respect of your peers—and your superiors. That means the next time you have a suggestion on a project, they'll listen.
4. Show your design team members that you have confidence in what you all have done together.

We will be waiting for your entry.