When I first graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering, I thought I had a pretty clear idea of what my career would look like. I imagined working with systems, solving process problems, and slowly climbing the ranks of a technical organization. And for a while, that’s exactly what I did. But looking back now—after more than 30 years in leadership, consulting, and operations—I realize that my engineering degree wasn’t just the start of a technical career. It was the foundation for everything that came after, including paths I never imagined at the time.
For many engineers and technical professionals, the early years of a career are highly focused. You’re trained to go deep—to master your field, become the go-to expert, and solve tough problems with precision and logic. That’s an incredible strength. But as your career progresses, the key to growth often lies not in going deeper, but in going broader. It’s about learning how to connect your technical skills with leadership, communication, and business strategy.
Engineering Isn’t Just About Math
One of the biggest lessons I learned early on is that the most valuable technical professionals aren’t just good at the work—they’re good at making the work matter to others. You can design the most efficient system in the world, but if you can’t explain how it impacts a company’s bottom line or a client’s experience, you’re going to hit a ceiling.
As an engineer, you’re trained to solve problems. But in the real world, problems don’t come in neat little packages. They’re wrapped in human dynamics, budget constraints, and competing priorities. That’s why soft skills—like communication, emotional intelligence, and influence—aren’t optional anymore. They’re essential.
When I moved into leadership roles and eventually helped launch The Rocker Group, I realized how often success comes down to your ability to build relationships, navigate ambiguity, and bring others along with your vision. Technical ability is what gets you in the door. But what keeps you moving forward is your ability to collaborate, adapt, and lead.
Say Yes to the Stretch Assignments
I can point to a handful of moments in my career that changed everything. Almost all of them started with me saying yes to something I wasn’t quite sure I was ready for. A new project, a relocation, a leadership role—those were the stretch assignments that forced me to grow. And even when they scared me, they ended up expanding what I believed was possible.
If you’re an engineer looking to grow your career, don’t wait for someone to hand you a perfect opportunity. Volunteer for the tough projects. Offer to lead the new initiative. Get involved in cross-functional teams where you can learn how marketing, operations, or customer service intersect with what you do. The broader your perspective, the more valuable you become—not just to your company, but to your own career.
I remember leading a team through a massive M&A integration early in my career. I had never worked at that scale before, and the learning curve was steep. But I said yes, figured it out, and came out the other side with a completely new skillset. That one experience opened doors to executive roles I hadn’t even considered before.
Find Mentors Who Challenge You
No one builds a career alone. I’ve been lucky to have mentors along the way—people who didn’t just cheer me on but challenged me to think bigger. They helped me see potential I didn’t recognize in myself, and they held me accountable when I fell short.
If you’re early in your career, find people you respect and ask them how they got to where they are. Most professionals are more than willing to share their insights if you approach them with genuine curiosity and humility. And if you’re further along in your career, become that mentor for someone else. Teaching what you’ve learned is one of the most rewarding ways to grow as a leader.
Even now, I stay connected with professional organizations like the Institute of Industrial Engineers and the Georgia Tech alumni community—not just to give back, but because I’m still learning. Growth never stops, and neither should your network.
Make Meaning Along the Way
At some point, career development becomes less about titles and more about impact. What are you building? Who are you helping? How are you using your skills to make the world a little better?
For me, that purpose came into focus when I started working with veterans and underserved communities to create job opportunities. I realized that all those years of optimizing systems and scaling companies had taught me something even more valuable—how to create access and opportunity for others. That’s when my work became more than just a job. It became a mission.
Career development isn’t a straight line. It’s more like a winding road with unexpected turns and surprising views. But if you stay open, curious, and committed to learning—not just about your field, but about yourself—you’ll find your own way forward.
And when you do, you might just look back and realize that your engineering degree wasn’t just a career starter. It was a launchpad for a life of impact, leadership, and growth.