Insights from a career in Systems Engineering. Reflections on concepts and approaches translated into down to earth language that you can apply at work and in life. No ads. No listicles. No shitGPT. Unsubscribe any time.
Advancing the Kamasutra while you are a Virgin.
Published 27 days ago • 3 min read
Alex Toth
You know how to grow into a great professional?
.. and more schooling is not the answer. But I tell you how to get there faster.
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Imagine this ...
One day the world's number #1 hero reveals themselves to the public.
Only thing is they actually aren't!
You are!
At first you are curious on how would they continue fooling everyone. You follow their deeds. You listen them speaking. You're amused: it's silly.
Surely others can see it's a hoax. They won't take them seriously!
BUT ..
But the don't. And they do!
And now they are ruining your name. And your reputation. And your profession!
What am I rambling about?
I tell you what happened.
I'm sometimes roaming on Reddit. Love stumbling upon all kind on questions. Sometimes surprising. Interesting. Intriguing. Sometimes silly.
And I even learn new things sometimes.
The last one I found was a simple question. Though naive:
You did a PhD in systems engineering -what was your personal journey like to figure out your thesis topic?
You did a PhD in systems engineering -what was your personal journey like to figure out your thesis topic?
Few value half-hearted answers - nothing spectacular.
So I just add simply that I believe you need some actual SE experience not just theory. Before you set out to advance the state of the art of the profession. You need to actually know what you're doing.
And I leave it there ...
Then I post the same on LinkedIn without a second thought.
AND .. IT .. EXPLODES!
I didn't expect too much out of this post but it hit a nerve. And the comments I get are much more thoughtful:
I won't bore you with the details. You can always click-through (above) and read the comments. I can already tell you're dying to add yours!
So getting back to the point: YOU ARE THE HERO.
You practiced and honed your craft for decades now. And you know it's not that easy as it seems. That things can get complex and contextual fast. There are no black or white questions.
Some ways may work in specific situations and completely unsuitable in others. That doesn't mean they are wrong. Or defect. Or in need to be fixed.
It just means that you need to use the right tool for the right job. And discerning that only comes with experience! There are many subtleties. In short you can easily navigate it all now after all those years of practice.
And you also see fresh graduates going for PhD's in Systems Engineering. Who only ever saw the theory and never saw it applied in practice. And they are doing research to advance the Body of Knowledge and fix the "old ways" for the profession's "renewal for the times today".
It's like advancing and improving on Kamasutra while you are still a Virgin.
Then go and explain to the professionals what they are doing wrong!
Don't get me wrong: you can learn and advance fast. There are ways to quickly skill up and get real experience in a couple of years.
One example:
Alternating between academic study and industry work offers a powerful approach to engineering education. This work-study model allows students to discover their passions, bridge the gap between theory and practice, and gain valuable real-world experience that aligns with real industry needs.
By alternating engineers can better understand the challenges and opportunities facing industry. This practical experience allows them to develop innovative solutions and contribute meaningfully to real-world problems.
Then you're best placed to start a PhD that adds real value and your contribution is practical and can be adopted by others too!
And that approach may be applicable to any engineering disciplines too.
Then you are much further away in your career. With real grounded skill-set and experience.
How you advance that fast?
You need few ingredients. Few but strong.
A purpose - a WHY. A burning desire. You need to really want it to motivate you.
You need grit. To get things done when the going gets hard and you feel like taking the easy path or giving up.
You need support. To have someone guide and encourage you. To share their knowledge and help you learn from their mistakes. So you don't have to learn from your.
The right coach can show you a wormhole in your career path.
And shorten the time you need to get to be a Certified Professional by years. With all the self confidence and benefits that status comes with.
You can achieve a lot much faster with the right training and coaching. Get an experienced mentor to accelerate your progress in real life instead of paying Uni only for more abstract theory.
It won't make you more knowledgeable. It will make you more indebted!
You can be a GREAT Professional! You can even be a PhD if that's what you want.
What do you think?
I'm really curious. Reply to this email and tell me!
Insights from a career in Systems Engineering. Reflections on concepts and approaches translated into down to earth language that you can apply at work and in life. No ads. No listicles. No shitGPT. Unsubscribe any time.