Branding your greatness is essential. “My greatness? What are you talking about? I don’t do anything different from other engineers.” You may also be thinking “I don’t know any engineers who have a brand.”

First of all you most definite are great. Don’t argue with me. How often do people seek you out specifically for types of work? You get phone calls, emails, text messages and people just walking up to you saying “Bob told me you could get this done!” This is exactly how to know you’re GREAT! To create you a brand as  the “Go To Engineer.”

Now you’re asking “Why should that be me?” Becoming the “Go To Engineer” will help you create your authority in your space. You can leverage this brand for promotions, increased salaries and so much more. Now let’s discuss what becoming the go to engineer looks like for you.

You should  be that one engineer others come to no matter what their question is. They see you as knowledgeable, connected and an authority. If they don’t right now they will in no time.

Community

Does this sound familiar “Hey, I have a 12 year old daughter. She’s really smart. How do I get her to consider being an engineer?” Parents want their children to be engineers but they are clueless as to what an engineer really does. They will come to you for assistance. They want you to inspire or spark an interest in STEM for their kids.

But being the “go to engineer” isn’t just about inspiring the next generation. You’ll get some weird or different questions as well. “Hey, something fell on my roof. Can you help me out? You’re an engineer. ” Has this happened to you?

Non-Technical Issues

African American woman Manager meeting with white Man WOCinSTEM

Oftentimes people see engineers as experts for non-technical issues. It comes with the territory. Yes, you’ll be annoyed at times. But it’s still a way to  build your credibility. Maybe you have a roofer whom you can refer to others.

Being the “Go to Engineer” isn’t always about solving other people’s problems. It’s about connecting people to help each other. You are truly the hub for the resources people need to solve a problem or to gain more information.

I’m not saying you’re Angie’s List. You’re adding your personal perspective and network to assist others. Having a human to human component is important especially in this “Google me” era.

Workplace

This carries over to the workplace. Finding your area of expertise or knowledge will help you grow your career. If you are interested in a specific area of your field may not require you to get a graduate degree. You may need to request for more projects which have involve this specific area.

For instance, there is an area of your manufacturing facility or a project which involves the work you want to become an expert. This doesn’t have to be a significant project. You want to reduce your risk, yet grow your knowledge. Take these opportunities to grow and learn professionally.

Let’s revisit “Bob told me you could get this done!” When people approach you in person or electronically begin to ask them why they came to you. I know “Bob sent you but what did Bob say as to why he believes I can solve this for you?” Collecting these responds or receipts will help you build your credibility. More importantly it’ll help you understand your current brand.

What’s Next?

“40% of women leave engineering field and never come back.” The goal is for you to be the 60% who remain in STEM. Becoming the go to engineer provides you the opportunity to grow your career, increase your salary and get the promotions.

Becoming the go to engineer means utilizing your performance review to do this. How? From now on discuss with your manager in writing and in meetings:

1. the types of PROBLEMS you solved,
2. how much money you saved the company and
3. who exactly you’ve helped i.e. projects, departments, company initiatives, etc.

It’s your time to shine as the “Go To Engineer!”