Engineering Career Superpowers: Advice I Wish I Gave to My Younger Self

From the mind and tablet of Patrick Gartner, Director of Systems Engineering

At the midpoint of my professional career and approaching my work service anniversary at a global telco organization, I think of the successes I’ve had along the way. I also remember the failures and challenges I encountered and reflect back on how I could have better prepared my “younger self” to plan for and tackle those obstacles.

If I could write a letter (or better yet, travel back in time to do some 1:1 coaching!), I would give myself the following tips for making the “career growing pains” less severe and help myself be even more prepared to manage, coach and lead teams.

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Dear Pat,

Remember when you were interviewing for your first job? You were nervous and unsure of where this career path could take you. Everything will work out the way it’s meant to in the end, but if I could give you some advice to remember that day, it would be:

Time Management

  • Yep, I know you want to get ahead. So do thousands and thousands of people. You’ll get there. While on your journey, make sure to create some type of balance between your career, your family and your friends. This is not as easy as it sounds but just find a way to “do it!”

Career Development

  • There are a few key skills you should learn right away. These skills will carry you across any industry or role you take as you grow up! I learned and believe in using the “OSI Model” as a guiding principle to help me grow into the technical leader I am today.

Relationships Matter!

  • One important thing to know asap — and this is a big one — don’t just reach out to people when you need something. Take time every single day to make personal connections so that when you do need help, you’ve got that relationship already in place. And pay it forward, too. Help your connections when it’s needed.

Core Leadership Traits You Should Learn Now

  • Learn to close your mouth and just listen. If you catch yourself thinking of an answer to what the person is saying, write it down so you are not distracted and listen some more!

People Management

  • You will never make everyone happy. Be nice. Be respectful and learn to be okay with the things and actions you cannot control.

Here is a quote from Jack Welch whom you have never heard of yet? But trust me, he has done incredible things at GE and will be known as a great leader. “Control your own destiny or someone else will.” This is very true and I live it everyday!!

Sincerely,
Pat

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The first all-digital wireless carrier in the U.S, fundamentally changing the ways consumers get, pay for, and manage their phone service:

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The first all-digital wireless carrier in the U.S, fundamentally changing the ways consumers get, pay for, and manage their phone service: