The changing working environment for the young power engineer professional Manos Obessis March 23, 2012

PowerGEM – The changing working environment for young engineer professionals Introductions 2 – Who is the Presenter Power Systems engineer 15 years working experience in technical and management roles Holds degrees in engineering and economics – What is PowerGEM Consulting and software development company Located in New York Offers products and services in most regions – What is the purpose of this presentation Review options Understand decisions and factors involved

PowerGEM – The changing working environment for young engineer professionals Options following graduation 3 – Further studies Post-graduate studies in same or different field Pursue extra degree in different field Other professional study work – Professional engineering career Utility industry Public sector (regulatory bodies, institutes, etc) Private sector (developers, non-engineering firms, think tanks, financial analysts, etc) – Research Academic institutions Other research institutes

PowerGEM – The changing working environment for young engineer professionals Further studies 4 – Why further studies Pursue standard requirement (university career) Specialization Diversify knowledge – Why not further studies Commence professional career Financial obligations and reasons Career path readily available Specialized knowledge not desirable, or study programs available through employment – “What would you do?” Post graduate degree in separate field

PowerGEM – The changing working environment for young engineer professionals Beginning on a new engineering career… 5 – A decision not to be made in vacuum… Repercussions will follow for a long time Social obligations will emerge Industry / educational conditions will change – Consider social / political / economic factors Where do I want to work? Where do I want to live? Where to raise a family? How politics / policies may impact my area in the long term? What are social trends that may influence my industry?

PowerGEM – The changing working environment for young engineer professionals Beginning on a new engineering career… 6 – Consider personal factors Where do I see myself in ten years? Realistic assessment of earning potential options Evaluate personal traits and use them as leverage – Consider technical factors Choose area expected to grow Take advantage and focus on recent technological advancements Evaluate personal interests and desired “lifestyle” vis-à-vis technology

PowerGEM – The changing working environment for young engineer professionals Understand current trends 7 – Searching for the perfect job New media and networking options Build credentials to withstand competition Turn technical knowledge to your advantage… but not too much – In the business environment Employment diversity (so many different people) Work diversity (so many different options…) Scheduling time – virtual availability (so much work to do….) Team work…. Team work… and some more team work Leadership skills, specialization vs. knowledge diversification

PowerGEM – The changing working environment for young engineer professionals The brave new world…. 8 – In the business environment Continuous availability Virtual world (work from anywhere, connect from anywhere) Training opportunities – continuous education Off site working The new employment perks

PowerGEM – The changing working environment for young engineer professionals The brave new world…. 9 – How does it compare to being in school? Can be equally fun… really No professors, but yes, there are bosses that are nuts… Customers are not understanding… and most of the time, they are right Repercussions of failure … makes a difference At the end of the day, somebody still needs to cook dinner…

PowerGEM – The changing working environment for young engineer professionals The new skills 10 – What do I need, except good grades? Communication skills Teamwork skills Technical diversity Excellence in field Time and people management skills … and above all, a little bit of luck

PowerGEM – The changing working environment for young engineer professionals What I should have learned in school… but I never did 11 – What would I have done differently Take advantage of resources Network better Learn new skills Focus on process rather than results only Take advantage of extra curricular opportunities (incl. study abroad)

PowerGEM – The changing working environment for young engineer professionals What school never taught me… 12 – The first day at work – Dealing with the boss – Dealing with the customer – Dealing with the lazy co-worker – Understand politics – Need more???

PowerGEM – The changing working environment for young engineer professionals The final word… 13 – There are options available – Decide wisely – Enjoy life… – Remember – K.I.S.S.