Chemical Engineer - Fast-tracking to a better job. Advice Needed 1

[jonton0021]

So, about 9 months ago, I started a new job as a "Staff Engineer" over at my current job. Though the job title sounded enticing, I shortly learned that it was not the job for me. The job had very little engineering within it, and involved doing more sales quotes to customers who are requesting custom or specific chemicals. While I have learned a lot regarding to starting materials, how materials are made, and general pricing of materials, I do not want to be stuck in a sales position forever. This would be alright if there was the ability to move within the company. However, there is no way to do that, because the company is privately owned, and there is no structure system on how to move up or around. The boss at my current job is the owner of the company, and has the most experience in what he does. However, almost every task is micromanaged, including my tasks. Any email sent out, documents sent out, or website related changes all need to be approved by him. Thus, I am severally hindered in my ability to do anything, because almost everything I do needs his approval.

Knowing that there is no chance to move ahead, and that this is basically a dead end job, I began to look for another job. (I've even talked to other co-workers there, and they recommended to look for another job ASAP). This was my first job full-time job as an engineer, and I am grateful of that, but I don't want to be stuck in this position. I only have 9 months at this job, and a year and a half at another job that dealt with OLEDs, so my experience is still somewhat towards a beginner level. I'm trying to improve my resume, by learning more abilities which chemical engineering companies look for. But as a chemical engineer, I'm not entirely sure what skills I should be working towards.

So my question(s) are, what skills or knowledge should I be working towards to strengthen my core as a chemical engineer, or as an engineer in general? The other question is where should I go from here exactly? This position offers very little in terms of experience, and I have a lot of free times on my hands after work. Currently, I'm working on building a 3D printer from kit I ordered online, and I'm working more with CAD systems, but I don't feel as if this is enough.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

I think rotw's point is that anyone who wishes to get into the nursing field already has a very caring attitude towards others... I can't imagine doing that job if you didn't have deep empathy/sympathy for the plight of others.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[rotw]

I still think that it is more advisable to not follow the "path of least resistance" being tendered to you. And Of course, if/when you pull back - do so very nicely. Some thoughts:
- You have no idea how long it will take you to get out of there (could be couple of weeks or really longer), so keep a very low profile.
- The fact that the subject co-worker survived for quite a while in that very same environment as yours, could possibly mean that he has solid built-in capabilities to strive in difficult environment. If that is the case, what you want for yourself is that same strength that he has. Guess that´s the best help he could bring you.

Ok its not complete drama.. but hope I made my point. Good luck

 

[IssacFreeman]

Most first level jobs for engineering are fairly mundane since the senior guys get all the strategy and fun stuff. I see no difference in this than other opportunities when it first presents itself. It appears that you are a fairly jr. engineer - have you considered some more proactive ways of aligning your opportunities with your goals. A few simple suggestions

1. have a talk with your boss - do they have any constructive feedback that's standing between you and more trust, career path of this role, long term opportunities in this organization. A heart to heart and an alignment of objectives are a great way to get on the same wavelength with management. I suspect they may be having the same thoughts as you are. A positive or a negative discussion will both give you more clarity as to your next decision

2. network - clearly you are talking with same people in the company - get out there and meet other engineers. Opportunity usually present itself once you know enough people.

with (1), you get to know where you stand, with (2), you get to expand the option pool.

Last bit of advice, with owner-managers, they are busy. It's always a good idea to be transparent with your motives and clear with your objectives. They are hard to crack, but once they see loyalty, you have a chance to grow very quickly compared to larger organizations.

Good luck.