6 answers
Ninoy
Student
Kaumakani, HI
1
Question
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How long is it to get your promotions up in Engineer.?
I'm a freshman in high school and I am in interested in Engineering.
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6 answers
Cory Yeager, PE, SE, MsC, PPM
51
Answers
Updated
Cory’s Answer
If you are expecting promotions based on tenure you could expect to change jobs a lot.
Promotion has always been tied to experience, performance and opportunity. The last one doesn’t get much conversation.
A few times in my career I have had durations longer than described above between standard levels of tenure.
For you, Try to be mindful of the degree and job you are wanting and the market you will live. If you don’t mind moving then market doesn’t matter. Otherwise you need to be mindful or aware not an expert of where the business money is being spent (ie green power or coal power for power generation industry).
However some areas are bound to opportunity in only a few industries and only a few firms servicing that industry. In energy producing markets, transportation and energy dominate so areas such as computer engineering, electrical engineering, etc… are niche jobs and less general. A way to measure your market is to look at general engineering jobs and see what the employer considers general qualifications. Sometime these more align with one discipline rather than a general engineer.
I don’t believe you can plan all of your career milestones out in advance but when you are ready for a move be prepared (ie educated, trained and experienced) before you want to move.
Good Luck
This will require you to reinforce continuing education and focus your attention to being informed on the market and industry.
Promotion has always been tied to experience, performance and opportunity. The last one doesn’t get much conversation.
A few times in my career I have had durations longer than described above between standard levels of tenure.
For you, Try to be mindful of the degree and job you are wanting and the market you will live. If you don’t mind moving then market doesn’t matter. Otherwise you need to be mindful or aware not an expert of where the business money is being spent (ie green power or coal power for power generation industry).
However some areas are bound to opportunity in only a few industries and only a few firms servicing that industry. In energy producing markets, transportation and energy dominate so areas such as computer engineering, electrical engineering, etc… are niche jobs and less general. A way to measure your market is to look at general engineering jobs and see what the employer considers general qualifications. Sometime these more align with one discipline rather than a general engineer.
I don’t believe you can plan all of your career milestones out in advance but when you are ready for a move be prepared (ie educated, trained and experienced) before you want to move.
Good Luck
This will require you to reinforce continuing education and focus your attention to being informed on the market and industry.
Sivakumar Balasundaram
Architect
6
Answers
Canton, Massachusetts
Updated
Sivakumar’s Answer
For the first 5-8 years, it's normal to make steady progress. It's important to boost your cognitive and communication abilities, and to find a unique skill that sets you apart from your peers. Healthy competition can also speed up your career advancement.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Ninoy,
Answer:
The time it takes to advance in your engineering career and receive promotions can vary depending on several factors, including your level of education, experience, skills, performance, and the specific industry or company you work for. Generally, the timeline for promotions in engineering can be broken down into the following stages:
Entry-Level Engineer: As a fresh graduate with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, you will typically start as an entry-level engineer. At this stage, you will be learning the ropes, gaining practical experience, and developing your technical skills. Promotions at this stage usually depend on your performance and ability to contribute effectively to projects.
Junior Engineer: After gaining some experience as an entry-level engineer, you may progress to a junior engineer role. This could happen within a few years of starting your career, depending on your performance and the opportunities available within your organization. Junior engineers are expected to take on more responsibilities and demonstrate leadership potential.
Mid-Level Engineer: The next stage in your engineering career is typically the mid-level engineer position. This usually requires several years of experience and a proven track record of successful project delivery. Mid-level engineers often lead projects, mentor junior team members, and may start specializing in a particular area of engineering.
Senior Engineer: Advancing to a senior engineer role usually signifies a significant milestone in your career. Senior engineers are recognized for their expertise, leadership skills, and ability to solve complex engineering problems. Promotion to this level may require additional certifications or advanced degrees.
Engineering Manager/Principal Engineer: Further advancement in your engineering career may lead to roles such as engineering manager or principal engineer. These positions involve overseeing teams, setting strategic direction for projects, and making high-level technical decisions.
Director/Executive Level: At the highest levels of an engineering organization, you may reach positions like director of engineering or chief engineer. These roles involve shaping the overall direction of the engineering department or company and require strong leadership and business acumen.
It’s important to note that the timeline for promotions in engineering is not set in stone and can vary based on individual circumstances and opportunities within the industry. Continuous learning, professional development, networking, and demonstrating leadership qualities can all contribute to accelerating your advancement in the field of engineering.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides detailed information on various occupations, including engineers’ career outlooks, typical job duties at different levels, educational requirements for advancement, and median pay rates.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): ASME offers insights into career progression paths for engineers through publications, webinars, and resources tailored specifically for mechanical engineers but applicable across various engineering disciplines.
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE): NSPE provides guidance on professional development strategies for engineers looking to advance their careers through certifications, licensure requirements at different levels of seniority in the profession.
These sources were consulted to ensure accuracy and reliability in providing information on career progression in the field of engineering.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JCF.
Answer:
The time it takes to advance in your engineering career and receive promotions can vary depending on several factors, including your level of education, experience, skills, performance, and the specific industry or company you work for. Generally, the timeline for promotions in engineering can be broken down into the following stages:
Entry-Level Engineer: As a fresh graduate with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, you will typically start as an entry-level engineer. At this stage, you will be learning the ropes, gaining practical experience, and developing your technical skills. Promotions at this stage usually depend on your performance and ability to contribute effectively to projects.
Junior Engineer: After gaining some experience as an entry-level engineer, you may progress to a junior engineer role. This could happen within a few years of starting your career, depending on your performance and the opportunities available within your organization. Junior engineers are expected to take on more responsibilities and demonstrate leadership potential.
Mid-Level Engineer: The next stage in your engineering career is typically the mid-level engineer position. This usually requires several years of experience and a proven track record of successful project delivery. Mid-level engineers often lead projects, mentor junior team members, and may start specializing in a particular area of engineering.
Senior Engineer: Advancing to a senior engineer role usually signifies a significant milestone in your career. Senior engineers are recognized for their expertise, leadership skills, and ability to solve complex engineering problems. Promotion to this level may require additional certifications or advanced degrees.
Engineering Manager/Principal Engineer: Further advancement in your engineering career may lead to roles such as engineering manager or principal engineer. These positions involve overseeing teams, setting strategic direction for projects, and making high-level technical decisions.
Director/Executive Level: At the highest levels of an engineering organization, you may reach positions like director of engineering or chief engineer. These roles involve shaping the overall direction of the engineering department or company and require strong leadership and business acumen.
It’s important to note that the timeline for promotions in engineering is not set in stone and can vary based on individual circumstances and opportunities within the industry. Continuous learning, professional development, networking, and demonstrating leadership qualities can all contribute to accelerating your advancement in the field of engineering.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides detailed information on various occupations, including engineers’ career outlooks, typical job duties at different levels, educational requirements for advancement, and median pay rates.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): ASME offers insights into career progression paths for engineers through publications, webinars, and resources tailored specifically for mechanical engineers but applicable across various engineering disciplines.
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE): NSPE provides guidance on professional development strategies for engineers looking to advance their careers through certifications, licensure requirements at different levels of seniority in the profession.
These sources were consulted to ensure accuracy and reliability in providing information on career progression in the field of engineering.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JCF.
Bart Barton
Telecommunication Architect
9
Answers
Prague, Czechia
Updated
Bart’s Answer
You're asking a multifaceted question here. In my own experience, I first earned my B.Sc, then pursued my M.Sc, which qualified me as an Engineer both educationally and professionally.
Certainly, university is one path to becoming an Engineer, but it's not the only one.
If you choose to bypass university, you'll likely start with more fundamental tasks. In my view, this route might take longer to reach a specific role, and your experience might not be as diverse. However, it's still a legitimate and effective way to achieve your goal.
Certainly, university is one path to becoming an Engineer, but it's not the only one.
If you choose to bypass university, you'll likely start with more fundamental tasks. In my view, this route might take longer to reach a specific role, and your experience might not be as diverse. However, it's still a legitimate and effective way to achieve your goal.
Dan Wolf
Retired Electrical/Software Engineer and part-time College Professor (BSEET and MS Engineering Management)
129
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Your promotions really depend on the industry, company, specific engineering degree, manager, strong/weak economy, your own strengths and workplace contributions as well as a little bit of luck (being in the right place at the right time).
In general:
Every 1-3 years in your first five years of employment then it tapers off to be less frequent such that at about mid-career, promotions may only be every 5-10 years. This is my own experience and observations. You can affect your promotion rate (either for good or bad) if you:
1) Always work towards your employers' best interests.
2) Be sociable and get to know the other employees.
3) Seek out an experienced co-worker or two and learn from them. Ask them to go to lunch with you and to describe what they do and how the company operates.
4) Be willing to accept travel assignments.
5) Consider moving to a different company or relocating to a different city if you feel your current promotions are not acceptable. In general, your value as an engineer starts to increase once you have 2-3 years of industry experience.
6) Most companies have written guidelines for promotions and will share them with you when asked. This would be a suitable request during a job interview.
In general:
Every 1-3 years in your first five years of employment then it tapers off to be less frequent such that at about mid-career, promotions may only be every 5-10 years. This is my own experience and observations. You can affect your promotion rate (either for good or bad) if you:
1) Always work towards your employers' best interests.
2) Be sociable and get to know the other employees.
3) Seek out an experienced co-worker or two and learn from them. Ask them to go to lunch with you and to describe what they do and how the company operates.
4) Be willing to accept travel assignments.
5) Consider moving to a different company or relocating to a different city if you feel your current promotions are not acceptable. In general, your value as an engineer starts to increase once you have 2-3 years of industry experience.
6) Most companies have written guidelines for promotions and will share them with you when asked. This would be a suitable request during a job interview.
Thee Ki
Copywriting
10
Answers
Florence, South Carolina
Updated
Thee’s Answer
Here's a general overview of how promotions might occur:
Entry-Level Engineer (0-3 Years): This is the starting point for most engineers. You typically hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. During the first few years, you gain hands-on experience and become familiar with your specific role and industry.
Engineer/Associate Engineer (3-5 Years): With a few years of experience, you may be promoted to the position of engineer or associate engineer. This role often involves more responsibilities, potentially leading small projects or tasks.
Senior Engineer (5-10 Years): After accumulating more experience and demonstrating expertise in your field, you may be eligible for promotion to a senior engineer position. Senior engineers often work on more complex projects, mentor junior staff, and may start to take on leadership roles.
Engineering Manager/Team Lead (10+ Years): With significant experience and leadership abilities, you may be promoted to roles such as engineering manager, team lead, or project manager. These positions involve managing teams, budgets, and projects.
Principal Engineer/Chief Engineer (15+ Years): For those who excel in their careers, the highest non-executive positions in engineering may include principal engineer or chief engineer roles. These engineers are often considered experts in their field and may be responsible for major projects or research initiatives.
Executive/Leadership Positions (Varies): Beyond the chief engineer role, some engineers may advance to executive or leadership positions within their organizations, such as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or Chief Engineering Officer (CEO).
It's important to note that the timeline provided is a general guideline and can vary widely. Promotions can be influenced by factors such as your educational background (a master's or Ph.D. may accelerate advancement), industry demand, your performance and contributions to the company, and the organization's structure and policies.
Additionally, some engineers may choose to stay in technical roles throughout their careers, while others may transition into more managerial or leadership positions. Career progression can be highly individualized, and setting clear goals and seeking mentorship can help you navigate your path to promotions in the engineering field.
Entry-Level Engineer (0-3 Years): This is the starting point for most engineers. You typically hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. During the first few years, you gain hands-on experience and become familiar with your specific role and industry.
Engineer/Associate Engineer (3-5 Years): With a few years of experience, you may be promoted to the position of engineer or associate engineer. This role often involves more responsibilities, potentially leading small projects or tasks.
Senior Engineer (5-10 Years): After accumulating more experience and demonstrating expertise in your field, you may be eligible for promotion to a senior engineer position. Senior engineers often work on more complex projects, mentor junior staff, and may start to take on leadership roles.
Engineering Manager/Team Lead (10+ Years): With significant experience and leadership abilities, you may be promoted to roles such as engineering manager, team lead, or project manager. These positions involve managing teams, budgets, and projects.
Principal Engineer/Chief Engineer (15+ Years): For those who excel in their careers, the highest non-executive positions in engineering may include principal engineer or chief engineer roles. These engineers are often considered experts in their field and may be responsible for major projects or research initiatives.
Executive/Leadership Positions (Varies): Beyond the chief engineer role, some engineers may advance to executive or leadership positions within their organizations, such as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or Chief Engineering Officer (CEO).
It's important to note that the timeline provided is a general guideline and can vary widely. Promotions can be influenced by factors such as your educational background (a master's or Ph.D. may accelerate advancement), industry demand, your performance and contributions to the company, and the organization's structure and policies.
Additionally, some engineers may choose to stay in technical roles throughout their careers, while others may transition into more managerial or leadership positions. Career progression can be highly individualized, and setting clear goals and seeking mentorship can help you navigate your path to promotions in the engineering field.