‘Lacking in experience’, is a highly overused phrase that any relative newcomer comes across while job hunting in industry. It’s frustrating to hear that being dished out to you time and again when you start looking for non-entry level positions.
I am not sold on the idea of experience being invaluable. As Guy Kawasaki said, “I believe experience is highly overrated. I believe that the sweet spot for an engineer’s most innovative work is before the age of 35…beyond that stage you are too conditioned.” For the uninitiated, Kawasaki was the pioneer of the Apple Macintosh PC, and is currently the CEO of a venture capital firm specializing hi-tech start-ups.
Let’s face it, no matter how much of a genius you think you are, no matter how well published you are, in order to gain experience you need to just wait and grow old. Unfair as it may seem, the world does measure all people by the same yardstick. So given that ‘inexperienced’ engineers are playing against the odds, they must be well aware of this playing field, so as not to be taken by surprise.
Consider this fun fact: when partial layoffs hit a Dutch company, those people most recently hired are the first to fired, irrespective of performance. Why? Simply because, as a consequence of well-intended labor laws, inexperienced engineers are much cheaper to get rid of than senior engineers. The same holds true for many other labor friendly nations.
Nevertheless, being well informed about how industry works can help you steer clear of the pit falls. Here’s a simple list of things you can do to stay better equipped:
Build your networks: Our TU Delft alumni network is massive. Do stay in regular contact with your seniors to learn from their personal experiences and stay informed. Beyond the entry level, a significant percentage of recruitment happens through personal networks.
Be prepared to pack your bags: While you should be investing your best abilities into your current job, know that for cost reasons you’re still considered disposable material. So, constantly keep your CV updated and keep watching the job market. This is especially important if you’re on a non-permanent starting contract.
Know your own worth: You are your best and probably only advocate. When you go through lean periods at work, keeping your self-confidence intact is mandatory. Never let anyone tell you that you’re not competent enough to do your job. If this happens to you, don’t worry about proving them wrong, just start looking for another job.
Lastly, learn to look past the garbage. Statements like, ‘you are a burden to your group for at least two years, and only after this period can you make some kind of contribution’, is pure rubbish! You’re employed because you’re needed, and don’t let anyone undermine your self-worth by telling you otherwise.”
Ramesh Chidambaram is from India. He is a recent MSc micro-electronics graduate of TU Delft and currently works for NXP Semiconductors in Nijmegen.
‘Lacking in experience’, is a highly overused phrase that any relative newcomer comes across while job hunting in industry. It’s frustrating to hear that being dished out to you time and again when you start looking for non-entry level positions. I am not sold on the idea of experience being invaluable. As Guy Kawasaki said, “I believe experience is highly overrated. I believe that the sweet spot for an engineer’s most innovative work is before the age of 35…beyond that stage you are too conditioned.” For the uninitiated, Kawasaki was the pioneer of the Apple Macintosh PC, and is currently the CEO of a venture capital firm specializing hi-tech start-ups.
Let’s face it, no matter how much of a genius you think you are, no matter how well published you are, in order to gain experience you need to just wait and grow old. Unfair as it may seem, the world does measure all people by the same yardstick. So given that ‘inexperienced’ engineers are playing against the odds, they must be well aware of this playing field, so as not to be taken by surprise.
Consider this fun fact: when partial layoffs hit a Dutch company, those people most recently hired are the first to fired, irrespective of performance. Why? Simply because, as a consequence of well-intended labor laws, inexperienced engineers are much cheaper to get rid of than senior engineers. The same holds true for many other labor friendly nations.
Nevertheless, being well informed about how industry works can help you steer clear of the pit falls. Here’s a simple list of things you can do to stay better equipped:
Build your networks: Our TU Delft alumni network is massive. Do stay in regular contact with your seniors to learn from their personal experiences and stay informed. Beyond the entry level, a significant percentage of recruitment happens through personal networks.
Be prepared to pack your bags: While you should be investing your best abilities into your current job, know that for cost reasons you’re still considered disposable material. So, constantly keep your CV updated and keep watching the job market. This is especially important if you’re on a non-permanent starting contract.
Know your own worth: You are your best and probably only advocate. When you go through lean periods at work, keeping your self-confidence intact is mandatory. Never let anyone tell you that you’re not competent enough to do your job. If this happens to you, don’t worry about proving them wrong, just start looking for another job.
Lastly, learn to look past the garbage. Statements like, ‘you are a burden to your group for at least two years, and only after this period can you make some kind of contribution’, is pure rubbish! You’re employed because you’re needed, and don’t let anyone undermine your self-worth by telling you otherwise.”
Ramesh Chidambaram is from India. He is a recent MSc micro-electronics graduate of TU Delft and currently works for NXP Semiconductors in Nijmegen.
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