***SHORT*** What to expect, first week as an engineer!?!?
Audio Brief
Show transcript
This episode covers the crucial experiences and challenges faced by new engineers during their first week on the job.
Three key takeaways emerge: the importance of relentless questioning, building strong engineering intuition, and utilizing personal resources effectively.
New engineers often experience significant anxiety and overwhelm when assigned projects with vague instructions. Asking numerous questions upfront is crucial. This efficiently clarifies instructions and assumptions, preventing wasted days on incorrect paths, and demonstrates preparedness rather than a lack of knowledge.
A strong grasp of fundamental principles and the ability to perform hand calculations are essential for developing robust engineering intuition. This core knowledge is vital to verify if software results are reasonable, as relying too heavily on design software without understanding its underlying calculations can lead to significant errors, treating it like a dangerous black box.
The common fear of looking incompetent, often known as imposter syndrome, can prevent new engineers from asking necessary questions or using reference materials. However, it is wise to bring your school textbooks and notes to your first job. Experienced engineers routinely keep these references on their desks, demonstrating preparedness and not a lack of knowledge.
These insights equip new engineers to navigate early career challenges with greater confidence and competence.
Episode Overview
- The hosts, Max and Zach, introduce their new podcast dedicated to discussing topics within the structural engineering industry.
- They share personal stories and anxieties from their very first week as new engineers, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from academia to professional practice.
- The episode contrasts two different entry-level experiences: one at a small, specialized firm and another at a large firm handling major commercial projects.
- They discuss the importance of asking questions, the pitfalls of relying on software without understanding the fundamentals, and how to build "engineering intuition."
Key Concepts
- First Project Jitters: The hosts recount the feeling of being overwhelmed when given their first real-world engineering tasks with minimal direction, a common experience for new graduates.
- The "Black Box" Problem: They discuss the danger of using structural analysis software without a solid grasp of the underlying principles, which can lead to undetected errors and a lack of true understanding.
- Developing Engineering Intuition: The hosts emphasize that a "gut feeling" for whether a design or calculation is correct is a critical skill that develops over years of experience, starting with fundamental hand calculations.
- Choosing the Right Firm: The episode touches on the significance of selecting a first job based on the type of work and mentorship available, rather than just the size or prestige of the company, as it sets the foundation for a career path.
- Preparation for Day One: A key theme is the importance of being prepared for your first job, from bringing essential tools like a calculator to having reference materials from school readily available.
Quotes
- At 00:31 - "First job, first week. What it was like, how scared you were, the things that you went through." - Zach setting the central theme for the episode's discussion.
- At 07:07 - "From like this building... the World Trade Center versus a house." - Zach humorously contrasting the massive scale of projects at his first firm with the smaller, residential-focused work at Max's firm.
- At 14:40 - "You should write things down. It's a very good habit. Especially, man, like your first job... you're going to forget so much." - Max offering practical advice for new engineers to keep a reference notebook to manage the influx of new information.
Takeaways
- Ask Questions Constantly: As a new engineer, it is crucial to overcome the fear of looking inexperienced and ask for clarification. Asking numerous questions upfront is more efficient than spending days on incorrect assumptions.
- Build Fundamentals Before Relying on Software: Before jumping into complex software, ensure you have a solid understanding of the basic principles through hand calculations. This builds intuition and allows you to sanity-check software outputs, preventing potentially critical errors.
- Be Prepared for Your First Day and Beyond: Arrive at your new job with essential tools, including your school textbooks and a calculator. These resources are invaluable references, and having them shows initiative and helps you transition smoothly into your role.
