Crafting Careers in Engineering: Lessons from Engineering Experts | JAKTALK with Jeff Kinsberg
The Foundation of Teamwork in Engineering
Kinsberg and his friends began a recent episode of JAKTALK by reminiscing about their journey, which started over 25 years ago at Rutgers University through the Formula Racing (FSAE) program. This foundational experience emphasized the importance of teams, having a passion for your work, communication, and trust—qualities often overlooked in traditional engineering training. Two and a half decades later, these are values we’ve built JAKTOOL on.
The Evolution of Engineering Practices
The role of engineers has transformed quite a bit over the last few decades. Engineers today are expected to shape the vision of the profession and push technological boundaries, regardless of their industry. This evolution requires a balance between practical knowledge and innovative thinking.
There’s a significant difference between the skillsets of engineers entering the field now compared to those of previous generations. New graduates often lack hands-on experience but are more adept at coding and numerical analysis. This shift represents both a challenge and an asset. During his time at Rutgers, Jeff Kinsberg had a professor who emphasized the importance of understanding electrical engineering, even for mechanical engineers. This multidisciplinary approach is becoming increasingly essential.
Proficiency in tools like Excel and MATLAB is now a basic requirement. This inherent ability to manipulate software and technology is a significant advantage.
Creativity and Risk in Engineering
Creative thinking and the willingness to take risks are also so important. While engineers are naturally risk-averse, there is a growing tendency to avoid failure, which can stifle creativity. Encouraging a culture that allows for calculated risks can lead to innovative solutions and advancements.
Innovations in Engineering
One of the most significant advancements in recent years has been 3D printing and additive manufacturing. These technologies have revolutionized prototyping and production. The ability to print complex parts that were previously impossible to machine opens up new design possibilities and efficiencies.
Effective communication and strong team dynamics are crucial in today’s engineering projects. The rise of remote work and digital communication tools like MS Teams has changed how teams interact. While remote work offers flexibility, it can also hinder relationship-building and spontaneous collaboration.
Hiring the Next Generation of Engineers
When it comes to hiring, we put emphasis on finding candidates who are passionate about their work, have practical experience, and have integrity. There’s a need for candidates to demonstrate genuine interest and honesty on their resumes.
WHAT IS THE VISION VAULT?
The JAKTOOL Vision Vault is a space for us to expand on the passions that drive innovation and growth at our company. On this blog, we’ll take deeper dives into industry news and our expertise and highlight the leaders we have under our own roof through featured blogs. Follow along for updates throughout the month and recaps on new episodes of JAKTALK, our biweekly podcast hosted by our founder, COO, chairman, and visionary, Jeff Kinsberg.
In a recent episode of the JAKTALK podcast, Jeff Kinsberg, the visionary founder behind JAKTOOL, brought together his three closest friends, Jeff Darbig, George Wahlgren, and Chris Strianse, to delve into the intricacies of engineering, teamwork, and innovation. This discussion highlighted over 100 years of combined engineering experience, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of engineering and the importance of innovation in modern-day problem-solving.
This article is a recap of JAKTALK episode #10. You can watch the full episode on on YouTube below:
This episode features JAKTOOL COO & Founder, Jeff Kinsberg, along with four of his college buddies, Christopher Strianse, George Wahlgren, and Jeff Darbig, all esteemed engineers in their fields.