Nobody likes messing up at work. Just ask the red-faced team blamed for the recent wrong envelope blunder at the Oscars!
Engineers are no exception. Everyone is human after all.
The problem is when an engineer makes a mistake, it can be big, spectacular and costly.
Consider the 341 French trains too wide for platforms in 1300 stations because nobody bothered to measure them. Or the new Spanish submarine that weighs in at 2200-tons, 70 tons too heavy, that would sink without trace if it went to sea – all because a decimal point was put in the wrong place!
Rookie engineers are especially prone to mistakes, owing to inexperience or being too afraid to ask for help.
That’s why we have helpful hints to make life easier for you.
Know your project
Being an eager beaver is all very well but don’t jump in without fully considering what the project entails. Understand the requirements, specifications and data from other engineers, your boss and the customer. If it all seems too much, break down each component into manageable chunks.
Focus on the details
Precision is key in engineering and anything less won’t wash. This means not cutting corners. There may be a temptation to copy and paste from similar projects but this is where a micro mistake can become macro down the line.
Check, check . . . and check again
There is always the temptation to race through a project to impress the big bosses but this is where mistakes can creep in. Learn to triple-check everything.
Deadlines are your friend
Don’t see a work schedule as the enemy, instead use it to your advantage. Having a tough deadline forces new starts to develop quickly and learn vital skills such as perseverance.
Learn from mistakes
If you make a boo-boo, hold your hand up and admit to it then move on. Don’t delay in ’fessing up either. As with the Oscars cock-up, a quick apology shows honesty and integrity.
Accept feedback
Nobody enjoys hearing criticism but beginners need to understand negative feedback is vital to the learning process. Don’t be discouraged – take it on board and use it.
Learn to communicate
Don’t think you need to show you know all the answers at the outset to impress colleagues. It’s better to ask questions than to get it wrong later. Communication is a vital part of working as a team.
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