As glamorous as the title sounds, it does not excites me at all. Maybe I would be proud some years back then; too young too dumb, but it hardly provides the motivation needed. Not until I have come to my senses that everyone is an engineer.
There is no doubt that when you bear the title Engineer in society, you have much more “respect” for some client. However, what triggered me was the fact that since technology is advancing at a fast pace, almost all the fundamental knowledge of an engineer can be found over the internet. Everyone has the potential to be an engineer.
You do not need an engineer title to make things work. All you need is the persistence to do what you do. Besides, anyone can be an engineer in any field. Lookup the dictionary and see what an engineer means. I am sure there is a section that explains “A skillful manager.”
Old School Vs. New School
The old school method suggested us to get good grades, go to a good school and obtain a reputable certificate. Don’t get me wrong for discouraging anyone from going to school. Education is the synergy of life. One could not grow without the catalyst of wits.
With the help of technology, the internet has become the modern library of almost everything. Anything you need is at your fingertip. You do not need to go to the library just to borrow a book; or probably finding a journal. Most of it is available over the internet; this is what new school would be – Everything is on the internet.
Schools would retain its purpose of providing coaching, but its methodology of knowledge transfer has changed over time. Everybody has access to learn something they want and be an engineer in his or her field.
Follow Your Heart
No single field would fit everyone just as no one product would suit everyone. As new market emerges, jobs requirement changes. What is in demand previous generation just doesn’t work in this generation.
If there is one thing the current generation would have learned is that change is inevitable. Innovation always strives, and we cannot be content with a single skillset. People nowadays require more than 2 skillsets to do better in their career. Multitasking has become a virtue.
Above all, your passion is what drives you through your hardship. With a laptop and internet access, there is no reason for anyone to live in poverty anymore; not when blockchain and freelancing have brought an abundance of opportunity.
Follow your heart; it will surely bring you where you want to be – with the persistence.