Engineer Your Career

Quantum Computing, Prompt Engineering, Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence), and on goes the list of modern-day technologies that are transforming the way we live. We wake up to an innovative technology almost every single day in one field of engineering or other. The list of innovations keep growing day-by-day, and so do the risks and associated challenges– the question is, how do we keep up the pace?

As technology continues to advance, we should also strive for progress amidst all the chaos. The outlook for the tech industry in 2023 is largely optimistic, emphasising that it continues to be a strong option for businesses seeking growth. Research indicates that the worldwide information technology market expanded from USD 8.1 trillion in 2022 to USD 8.85 trillion in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2 per cent. It is projected to reach USD 11 trillion in 2027, with a CAGR of 8 per cent.
 
What is worrying though is the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, accounting for only 28 per cent of the workforce. In order to shatter stereotypes, women in engineering should act as pioneers, forging their own path and paving the way for future generations.

Here are some thoughts on how we can do that:

• Invest in Self-Improvement:  Enhance your skills in the latest technologies and keep up with the current trends. Allocate time for personal development, whether it is on weekends, late nights, or early mornings. Eventually, learning will become ingrained in your nature. Pursue your passions, such as generative AI, cloud computing, updated programming languages, frameworks, cybersecurity‚ and more. As Abraham Lincoln rightly said, "The best way to predict your future, is to create it."
   
  
• Build Your Network: Networking can establish you as an ambitious, reliable, supportive, considerate, and knowledgeable professional in your industry. It provides an excellent opportunity not only for exchanging ideas, but to meet like-minded individuals who can add value to your career in some form or the other.
   
  
• Make Your Voice Heard: Remember that you have a purpose in any meeting or discussion. Come prepared, actively participate, and express your thoughts.
   
• Seek Support: To shape your career, it is essential to engage in conversations with experienced individuals. Mentorship should never be underestimated. Embrace every opportunity to be a mentee or even a mentor as you advance in your career.
   
  
• Challenge Yourself: It is tempting to stay within your comfort zone, but instead, strive to pursue your dreams and scale new heights.

In conclusion, the future of technology holds immense promise, but it requires proactive efforts to ensure inclusivity and diversity. By embracing continuous learning, fostering connections, voicing opinions, seeking support, and taking on new challenges, women in engineering can shape a future that is not only technologically advanced but also equitable and inclusive. Together, we can create a future where women have equal opportunities as their male counterparts, to thrive and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of technology. It’s time to ‘Engineer Your Career’.