The engineering industry can be incredibly vast – not just in Malaysia, but internationally as well. As an engineering graduate, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available to you out in the market. Even if you already have some idea of what area of engineering you want to work in, choosing the right employer can be a daunting task!
Before you dive into the job search, taking some time to reflect on your career goals can help you with choosing the right engineering employer. To help you get started, here are six points to consider when evaluating which employer is right for you.
What size is the employer?
Engineering employers can range in size from small specialised operations with just a handful of employees to massive government-linked corporations or multinational organisations with thousands of employees. When it comes to size, there are pros and cons to working with employers at either end of the spectrum.
In general, at larger organisations, you can meet more people, receive better pay and benefits, and may have an easier time switching jobs in the future without switching companies. On the other hand, larger companies tend to be more bureaucratic and resistant to change. You will also likely feel more disconnected from your work, as just one engineer working on one part of a whole host of interconnected engineering areas and processes.
Smaller organisations tend to be more flexible both in terms of how they operate in the market, and the conditions they can offer employees. At a smaller employer, it’s often easier to communicate with management and decision-makers, which can mean that your work and accomplishments are more visible to the people most likely to reward you for them. You will also have more chances to get involved in larger parts of their projects and processes, which is great for gaining experience.
What’s the culture of the employer like?
Engineering firms and even individual teams within engineering employers can vary widely in their value systems. Some may value individualism, visible effort, or billable hours; while others may value employee and client satisfaction, work-life balance, or community engagement. Where possible, try to find an employer whose values are consistent with your own.
Online resources like Glassdoor reviews or company websites and social media pages can be a great way to start your research. However, your best bet is still talking to current or former employees at the company. You can find such contacts through attending career fairs, networking sessions, or reaching out to them on LinkedIn.
To evaluate the culture of an engineering employer, it’s helpful to ask questions such as:
- How competitive is the employer?
- What sort of people work at the organisation? Is it a diverse and inclusive environment?
- What is expected of graduate employees?
- How are decisions made? Do managers trust employees to make them independently?
- How happy are the employees you’ve met?
Will working with this employer help my career?
Very few people stay in a job for life these days. So it pays to consider where you want to be in your engineering career not just for the next few years, but in a decade from now. You’ll then be in a much better position to evaluate whether or not a particular employer will set you up to pursue your future career goals.
Examine the company's track record in supporting employee growth and development. Does the company offer mentorship programs, training opportunities, or the chance to work on challenging projects? This allows you to get a clear sense of whether or not you’ll emerge from your graduate role with the skills and experience you’ll need to apply competitively for whatever comes next.
Will I have a good work-life balance?
Consider your preferences regarding work-life balance. Some graduates may derive satisfaction from completing complex projects, even if it means working late at times. Others may prefer more regular hours with ample time for personal commitments. In either case, it’s important to check that your idea of a healthy work-life balance is achievable at the employer you’re considering.
Consider the nature of the role and what it requires of you as well. For instance, if you’re working on-site at a plant complex, then remote working won’t ever be an option for obvious reasons. Likewise, if you’re stationed on an offshore oil rig or oil camp, then how might that affect your ideas of work-life balance, your personal life, or your mental and emotional health?
Does the employer have an international presence?
For engineering graduates looking to working abroad, it could be worth prioritising employers that have a global presence. International firms often leverage their global presence to bid for projects with stakeholders from multiple countries, and you may get to work on those. You may also have opportunities for internal transfers or secondments to overseas offices as part of your career progression.
Be sure to examine your own readiness for international exposure beforehand though. How much will the employer expect of you if overseas work is involved? Will it be just the odd business trip here and there, or will you actually be expected to relocate to a foreign country for an extended period of time?
How will I be evaluated and compensated?
We would be remiss if we did not mention this very important question! Pay and benefits can vary greatly among engineering employers, so make sure you do the math and calculate how much you are willing to accept when searching for job opportunities.
While salary is important, also consider other benefits such as healthcare, insurance coverage, and stock options. The former two are especially important if you’re working on-site or in an environment with hazardous equipment or materials. You should also check if training and upskilling costs will be covered, in order to ensure your engineering knowledge stays relevant.
Lastly, make sure to ask employers how you will be evaluated as an engineer. What are the performance goals at play? How regular will the reviews be? Knowing what the metrics for success and profit are will be crucial to ensuring you stay well-compensated in the future.
