Are you worried about how to be successful on your first assignment as a new engineer? This was always my biggest concern. Would I know what to do? Would it be really challenging or easy
In my experience, first tasks vary depending on the manager. However, if your manager gives you something that seems more advanced than you were expecting, take it with open arms! Embrace it, believe in yourself, and dig in. This is your time to show you can handle any challenge and you will get promoted much quicker by doing this.
My First Project
My first project was a material change for a medical device that was already on the market. The product was getting a significant number of complaints from physicians. This prompted us to need to make a design change. The material was breaking down on one of the components based on how the physicians were using it, which was impacting the patient.
When I took over the project, the new material was already defined by the previous engineer working on it. My job was to determine how to implement the change. The change was considered a redesign so it was like launching a new product in terms of the number of steps that needed to be completed to make the change.
This was a much different starting point than what I was used to. Whenever I was given a project in school, it was always presented in a way that said here is the need and problem definition, now you find a solution.
In my case, the solution was given. However, I had to determine the implementation strategy and how it would be manufactured. This is the part of the process that usually takes longer and is not discussed in school. I hope to give you a better understanding of what is entailed in this process. Each company has their own processes they follow, but the New Product Development (NPD) Process is the basic framework everyone works within.
You can find a more detailed explanation of each phase and a breakdown an engineer is responsible for in the ‘New Product Development Process Series’.
The Team
This was a really intimidating project to be given as a new engineer. I was a little self conscious about this assignment because I had no idea about all of the steps involved. However, I looked at this as a great opportunity to learn all of the processes needed to get a design change launched. I was going to give it my best shot.
This was a unique opportunity because I would be leading the project as a new engineer. Additionally, I was responsible for the project management role. I would need to scope the project out, put a timeline together, and lead the weekly meetings with the team. Also, I had to give updates to upper management on the status of the project. This was in addition to executing all of the Research & Development (R&D) for the project.
I was the only R&D engineer on the team. The rest of the team included a quality assurance engineer, marketing, regulatory, supply chain, and the manufacturing team. The manufacturing team consisted of a lead manufacturing engineer, other manufacturing engineers, and a quality assurance engineer.
I had to do a lot of travel because the manufacturing facility was in a different state. This was another surprise that came along with the project.
This project really helped me learn what all of the other functions on the team were responsible for. In school I did not realize the roles of each of these functions. Nor did I know how closely engineering works with them in order to launch a product or design change.
Keys to Success
1. Complete Thorough Background Research
The first thing I did when I heard about this assignment was to learn everything I could about the product. I read the marketing literature and design documents. Also, I requested samples so I could see the product. I met with marketing and they showed me how the product was used. They also showed me what the physicians were doing that was causing the problem. I am a visual learner, so I found a test method that demonstrated how the product was used by doctors. As I worked through this it helped comprehend how the device is used. I also researched the specific anatomy and disease state the device was treating.
Then, I proceeded to research everything that had already been done for the project. I went through the previous engineer’s lab notebook and all of the technical reports he had written. I made a list of everything that he completed and noted the work that was in progress.
Do not assume that the work someone else has completed is correct. Recheck the work and look for any gaps that may have been missed. There was initial testing that the previous engineer had not completed in the initial assessment. Luckily, I had caught it early so it did not slow the project down.
From there, I started to map out the project. I did not know exactly every step that needed to be completed so I started by reading my company’s literature on the New Product Development Process and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These documents give a high level overview of the larger phases involved, but then I had to detail out the steps specific to my project.
2. Set Up Recurring Meetings
Once I had done my background research, I scheduled the first team meeting with all of the functions on the team. The purpose was to introduce myself and discuss the project. This was a little overwhelming because they had all been working together for a while. I was the new person, now leading the team as well. Also, everyone was not in the same room. The manufacturing site was in a different state, so they had to call into the meeting.
It can be challenging to form relationships over the phone. The best thing to do is go to the manufacturing site as much as possible to meet the team members face to face. I scheduled my first trip shortly after this initial meeting.
Additionally, I created a recurring weekly meeting for everyone to come together and give an update on their part of the project. It is important to have a recurring meeting so that everyone knows what to expect. For example, they will know every Thursday they need to give a status update on their tasks and will be more likely to make progress. Recurring meetings also help foster good communication and keep the team on the same page.
3. Lean On The Team And Leverage Their Expertise
I realized that in order to be successful, I had to admit what I did not know and lean on the team members as the subject matter experts. Even though, I did not know what all of their roles were and how they all contributed to the launch of the redesign. I asked them to list the work they had to complete in their role for the project. This made the planning process quicker because I was leveraging their expertise. Early on, I gained their respect. I did this by allowing them to show their value to the team, as opposed to me telling them what to do for their function since I was the designated team lead.
It is important as a leader to acknowledge you do not know everything and show your team they are valued and needed. We used the steps of the New Product Development Process to guide us. Then, we filled in the work that had to get done in each phase in order to move the project forward.
Finally, I set up a meeting with my boss to discuss the steps that needed to be completed to ensure I did not miss anything. I used the outline that the team and I had put together. He had launched a number of projects, so I relied on his expertise to teach me.
Throughout this project, I never went to him without a plan. I always wanted to show I had put thought and effort into the task. If I was not sure on something, then I would asked him for a review or to explain something.
4. Create A Clear Plan
As Benjamin Franklin stated, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” I used this quote to guide me in all my engineering projects.
The upfront planning and getting all of the team members on the same page is the key to success. Most people want to just start completing tasks, but I have learned that having an overall plan to achieve your goal is the most important thing you can do. This plan may change as the project progresses, but it keeps the team aligned in the goals and how it breaks down into tasks. Most projects are complex with a lot of steps. A well laid out plan is the key to having the team work together efficiently.
5. Identify Key Resources, Ask Questions, And Bring Your Plan
This is very important if you want to be successful as an engineer. You need to know the right resources to ask questions in order to get advice. However, you need to go to these resources prepared and with a plan. Asking questions is crucial. However, you will get a better response from co-workers if you show you have put in some upfront work instead of just wanting them to answer everything for you.
When you are a new engineer, remember no one expects you to know everything. The most valuable thing you can do is ask questions and be resourceful. Understand which co-workers have the specific knowledge you need and make connections. Do not be ashamed for asking a silly question or looking like you do not know something you should. I know asking questions may sound cliche. However, your boss would much rather have a project completed quicker by you asking questions than spinning your wheels by yourself.
It is also important to note that your boss wants you to succeed. The company just spent a lot of time and resources to interview candidates and ultimately hire you. Your boss and the company wants all new hires to succeed. They do not want to redo the hiring process all over. So as intimidating as it can be to go to your boss with questions or concerns, just remember they are on your side and want you to succeed!
To summarize, These Are The Steps To Make Your First Project Successful:
- Complete thorough background research
- Set up recurring meetings
- Lean on the team and leverage their expertise
- Create a clear plan
- Identify key resources and ask them a lot of questions. However, prepare for all meetings as much as you can so you have a better idea of the questions that need to be asked.
Your first assignment can be nerve racking. You want to impress your boss but you are also trying to figure out how the company operates. Approach your project with enthusiasm. Follow the steps above, do your background research, meet frequently with your team, identify subject matter experts for advice, create a clear plan, and ask a lot of questions. Following these steps will help you succeed in your first assignment as an engineer!
Are you concerned about your first assignment or something else? What do you want to learn more about before starting your first job in engineering? Let me know in the comments below or email me at meagan@engineeringexpectations.com.