An Introvert’s Guide to Career Growth in Engineering

Growing up, I mastered the art of efficiency. I knew how to ace math and science tests, which naturally led me to study electrical engineering in college. I graduated believing that my technical skills were the only currency I needed.

However, I quickly learned that the "good student" strategy, keeping my head down, completing tasks quietly, and waiting for an A, was not the path to career advancement.

I had specific ambitions: I wanted to lead projects, mentor interns, and eventually become a Project Manager. But these roles required skills I hadn’t practiced: speaking up in meetings, explaining complex concepts to others, and coordinating with clients.

The “Good Student” Trap in Engineering Careers

Early in my career, I felt stuck. I was completing quality work on time and keeping my managers happy, yet I wasn’t moving forward. It took several job changes to realize I was trapped in my old mindset: If I do good work, success will follow.

I had to fundamentally change my operating model. I had to pivot from being solitary to being visible, heard, and respected. Here is how I made that shift.

Practicing Imperfect Speaking

I started speaking up more in general. This included sharing ideas that weren’t totally fleshed out. In the worst-case scenario, the idea doesn't work, and the team moves on. In the best case, you solve a problem, and people remember your contribution.

Taking Extreme Ownership in Your Work

Speaking up also means owning your work, both the wins and the errors. I found that people are far more likely to remember the solution you engineered and the accountability you took than they are to remember the mistake itself.

Advocating for Your Career Goals

The most difficult change was learning to advocate for myself. I realized that no one knows my goals better than I do.

For example, I wanted to mentor an intern. For a long time, I assumed that if I demonstrated value, an intern would simply be assigned to me, just like the next level of a class. When that didn't happen, I finally walked into my manager’s office, held my head up, and expressed my interest. My manager thought it was a great idea, and I am now interviewing candidates.

The Takeaway for Fellow Introverts

None of this comes naturally to an introvert. It took significant effort to lift my head up from the drawings and be direct. Paradoxically, even though these actions go against my quiet nature, I feel more authentic today than ever before, because I’m finally the one steering the ship.

Ready to Grow Your Engineering Career?

At Hallam-ICS, we believe technical excellence and personal development go hand-in-hand. Whether you're an introvert finding your voice or an experienced engineer looking to take the next step, our teams support each other in learning, mentoring, and leading.

If you're exploring a career where you can grow both technically and personally, visit our Careers page or reach out, we’d love to connect.

About the Author

Makenna Nakib is an Electrical Engineer at Hallam-ICS, where she supports multidisciplinary teams with a strong foundation in physics and thoughtful engineering design. She studied physics at Boston University and joined the team in 2024.

Read  My Hallam Story  

About Hallam-ICS

Hallam-ICS is an engineering and automation company that designs MEP systems for facilities and plants, engineers control and automation solutions, and ensures safety and regulatory compliance through arc flash studies, commissioning, and validation. Our offices are located in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Vermont, North Carolina  and Texas and our projects take us world-wide.