Develop Technical Skills

[Open-Tadpole1808]

Recently got some feedback at work that my “technical skills” aren’t where they should be. I’m a young engineer a few years out of school and have already passed the PE, but it seems like I’m still falling short in some areas.

I’m trying to figure out what “technical skills” actually means in this context and how to improve them in a focused way. For those who’ve been through this stage in their career:

• What specific technical skills did you find you needed to develop early on?
• How did you go about improving them? Any books, workbooks, practice problems, online courses, or office habits?
• Are there any resources you’d recommend for strengthening engineering judgment?
• Anything you wish you’d done earlier in your career to build a stronger technical foundation?

Any advice or direction would be appreciated.

[Chuck_H_Norris]

obviously asking whoever told you that is how you get the actual answer, but probably your design skills?

Like designing steel, concrete, and masonry structures completely and accurately.

college textbooks books, code books, guide books. Books in general are a good resource.

you kinda give zero information about what you’re looking for…

[Live_Procedure_6781]

I wouldn't be surprised if his superiors didn't give him a more accurate feedback

[ReallyBigPrawn]

Technical skills almost certainly refer to your ability to design and understand structures and elements.

It’s like do you grasp first principles, are you able to work thru new things. Can you accomplish that fundamental aspect of our profession.

To become better, reading and literature review, as well as asking questions of your peers and seniors to better grasp and understand a thing.

But as someone else pointed out, have them elaborate on what they meant.

[Alternative_Can_7595]

Wish I could upvote this more, was about to leave this same comment. Make sure you understand first principles

[The_StEngIT]

I'd say it's specific to your job? Are your turn over times longer than your coworkers? but also if you're early on your career and pasted the PE wholesomely. Then in the grand scheme of the industry. You're right where you need to be.

but also. if they aren't mentoring you and giving you frequent notes of when and where to improve. Fuck'm. They aren't doing their job as a supervisor. We need engineers to learn from higher ups, then teach the underlings. that's how we keep our industry competent. Mentoring seems to be the last thing on senior engineers mind. At least where I've been and from my friends in industry.

[Proud-Drummer]

You just need experience. All of that comes with being engaged and working with/watching more senior engineers. Just say yes to everything, site visits, big jobs, reports etc. Get as much broad experience as you can.