The SmartEngineer concept is founded on the following model: Get IPD right i.e. create a platform for future success, and the CPR challenge becomes a challenge to getting exam technique honed – becoming ‘competition ready’.
How to use SmartEngineer. A good starting point for Graduate Engineers is to consider the SmartEngineer approach. Used as a guide, the approach will provide graduate engineers with ideas as to what they should be aware of/ be considering/ be doing. This is not a quick fix, but following the SmartEngineer approach will help build that platform so vital for future success.
In addition, sign up to SmartEngineerUK Twitter to keep you up-to-date on any latest ideas.
The SmartEngineer approach
Improving performance at CPR and beyond
1. Thirst for knowledge – more than just Engineering
- Engineers need to be learning all the time
- Engineers operate in a business environment and should be aware and use business techniques so they can contribute/ lead the business discussion
- Engineers relish challenges (and make their own)
2. Career Management – following the ‘blue line’
- A professional qualification is a part of the journey
- Managing your development ‘outside the traditional’ gives you the edge
- Organisations reward performance not just qualifications
- Smart IPD provides the foundation (smart = customisation)
3. Competing – the reality check
- Engineers competing in a global environment, the reality is ‘be special or be spurned’
- Opportunities abound for those who are aware and act accordingly
- Engineers realise the value of publicity
- Engineers benefit from having a strong set of values
SmartEngineer – the IPD+ challenge
SmartEngineer – what is the ‘blue line’
SmartEngineer – how does IPD+ fit
SmartEngineer – what is a 3D profile
Creating a 3D profile
– your passport for success
Your 3D profile can be thought of as a measure of your competence in certain areas based on broad themes. More can be added depending on personal choice.
The purpose of the model is to firstly, highlight that aspiring engineers need to focus on more than one area, and secondly, that on average a balanced profile nets the best results.
Note as an engineer’s career progresses it becomes more important to offer a more complete picture. So being comfortable with this balanced approach early on is a distinct advantage. Finally, one should not forget the value of having a skill/ competence early so when an opportunity arises you are best placed to take advantage.
Blue Line
Blue line growth
Commitment to professional development is an acknowledgement that becoming professionally qualified is not an end in itself – it is merely the beginning.
How you apply your learning to your career will determine whether you maximise your potential. Businesses increasingly look for talented individuals, who possess broad commercial knowledge and the ability to lead, adapt, compete, and succeed at a global level. Technical competence and time served no longer guarantee success.
Making time to think about professional development is a challenge. The key is to exploit both academic and work-based opportunities and build on them effectively.
Principle behind IPD+
The principle behind the programme is to create an environment in which the graduate engineer is continually maximising development opportunities such that on qualifying as a professional, the engineer is not only rewarded by their organisation, but also continues to develop at an enhanced rate – blue line growth.
The graph indicates why for some engineers, qualifying makes no difference to their career. Cramming to pass an examination is not an effective development technique. For example, why would you stop attending effective written assignment groups???
Why not attend an IPD+ evening meeting to find out more on what gets you on the Blue line.
The IPD+ Challenge
Recognising those graduate engineers who have achieved a level of expertise within a specific field
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. – Aristotle
Enhancing your IPD
As part of the IPD phase, individuals can strive to develop a level of expertise within a chosen field. Recognition as an expert requires significant commitment and skill above the IPD benchmark. Not all will undertake this additional challenge, but those who do will appreciate the advantages it brings.
This recognisable competence, not only provides an appropriate element for a future Chartered Professional Review submission, but also provides the perfect foundation for accelerated career growth For as Aristotle noted, excellence is a habit.
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