Two weeks ago I was invited by a former employer, a consulting engineering company, to speak to a group of their graduate engineers who are in their mentorship programme. These young people are undergoing the necessary training in order to register as professionals in their field. In a country where you hear of the dearth of engineering skills, it was clear to me that I was speaking to a group that should see itself as special. To my surprise, they saw themselves as very ordinary.
My short talk focused mainly on issues that I thought as professionals they need to think about. I spoke about the meaning of the journey they were starting; the foundations they were laying for their professional development; how in the process they will start to express their character, which will make each one stand out; and that by the end of the journey, which is about five years after graduating, some will have to make other important career decisions, perhaps with even more significance than the decision they made on the field of study.
Our conversation also focused on what I saw as some of the defining characteristics they would have to hone: professional independence; integrity; a strong ethical foundation; putting their clients and society first; resist all forms of corruption; commitment to their craft; hard and smart work; reliability; trustworthy; and work that is consistent from a quality point of view. We challenged each other on the meaning of money and material things, the need to ensure ongoing education, reading, creating networks.
What I found most interesting in the whole dialogue was their reaction to my point that it was critical that they also get time to know self. I indicated that in my own professional development, how much I wish that I had received such advice much earlier. I also realised that as we spoke about the different tools one could use to get feedback in order to know self, they could see how this was connected to how they would make decisions about their careers in future. Whilst some could envy those in non-technical jobs in business, I cautioned them on the risk of chasing something because it seemed lucrative but did not talk to one’s personality.
In a world that is increasingly complex, with advanced information technology tools, and a very fast pace of development, the questions I dealt with made me appreciate even more the challenges that many young people entering the world of work face. I also realised even more the important role that the appropriate mentorship will continue to play as we see the baton of leadership being passed onto the next generation. After all, this group I was talking to included people who would be designing our future water systems; our road infrastructure; our rail networks; buildings that reflect a new way of life and work; and many other infrastructure assets that are so critical for a modern economy and a sustainable society.
I was happy to have played my little part in encouraging them to become what they want to be, and had feelings of gratitude with how their questions made me learn so much of the challenges that they are dealing with.
The challenges for young professionals are a great opportunity for learning and reflection.
