It seems that almost monthly we hear about the shortage of technical talent or the difficulties in recruiting engineering or information technology professionals. How can engineering and IT firms win over the best people?
Give them an opportunity to think.
Recently, NetworkWorld profiled one such firm, UK-based Cambridge Consultants, now operating stateside in Boston MA. Cambridge invested in development and testing infrastructure such as an anechoic chamber to test wireless projects or a simulated operating room for prototyping mechanical and electrical equipment for the healthcare sector – attracting both clients and engineers alike.
Clients love the “one-stop-shop” approach: engineering and IT solutions can be built and tested in-house; engineers of all disciplines (software, mechanical, electronics, program managers) are attracted by the variety. The most talented engineers in all their disciplines tend to get bored doing one thing for too long; the varied projects give them the chance to think, to work through problems.
As Cambridge Consulting’s David Bradshaw says, “If you’re the type of person who wants to learn and wants to stay current, and gets bored doing the same thing all the time — that type of person finds our business incredibly refreshing.” Firms such as Cambridge attract engineers who want exposure to different clients, cutting-edge technologies and varied experiences on the job.
For many technical professionals, it’s a dream job. But what can prospective tech job-hunters do to separate themselves from the pack?
Bradshaw says they’re looking for people who are curious, entrepreneurial, and committed to lifelong learning: “People who are intellectually hungry always want to stay ahead of their game.”
Wanted for hire: Engineers with ideas of their own [NetworkWorld]
How one firm makes beer and basketball better [NetworkWorld]
