Employers increasingly turn to engineers for roles outside traditional engineering career tracks — because their brains are wired to solve problems. In our work with employer brands and other cultural communications, we’ve talked with engineers in industries ranging from technology to manufacturing. We’ve heard from engineers engaged in software development, cloud solutions, gaming, package design, sustainable energy, steel production and more.
Across this wide cross section of talent, we’ve seen several themes emerge. Here are five we’ve identified across various fields as what engineers want:
Maybe technology attracts people who get excited by the need for learning, because in the technology field, things are always changing. Engineers say things like, “If you’re not constantly learning, you’re falling behind.” They also seem to get excited by the chance to work with the newest technology out there and be among the first to put it to use.
Engineers seem to relish finding a solution to a complex issue. We’ve heard them talk about problem solving in terms like “satisfying” and “enjoyable.” Many mention that it’s gratifying to them to help their clients with problems, or to find a way around a technological hurdle. Engineers want to be the one who can figure out what others can’t.
The counterintuitive bit here is that many engineers seem to be introverts and enjoy the autonomy of working on their own. But we’ve consistently heard engineers over the years rave about the brilliance of the people on their team. They seem to enjoy collaborating with others or being able to call up a colleague to talk through a technical issue.
Whether it’s making the world a better place or just helping a customer get to the bottom of a technology issue, engineers want to know that their brainpower is helping others. They’re more likely to be engaged in their work and their company when they see that their contributions are making a positive impact for others.
“It’s never the same thing two days in a row” and “Every day is something different” have been common refrains when we’ve asked engineers what they love about their jobs. Engineers want to be challenged by something completely new. Shifting priorities and dealing with sudden crises seem to get their adrenaline going and keep them interested.
