Book Review: The View from Here: Optimize your Engineering Career from the Start (Kaczmarek Review)

By Reece Lumsden

2nd Ed., 2018

Reviewed by Mark Kaczmarek, ASEP, Membership Director, Chesapeake Chapter INCOSE

The author opens up with his style of writing that will be used throughout the book:

“My intention is to connect with you, the reader, as though we are two engineering colleagues having a conversation.”

And he has achieved that goal. I felt while reading this book that there were no areas that were not explained well. I felt comfortable with the conversational style of his writing.

 High school info and beyond.

The author covers the gauntlet of choosing higher learning at the high school level. Pros and cons listed and higher degrees beyond the engineering bachelor’s degree. Certainly worthwhile information for those in high school grades about pursuing a degree. Also, equally important for a parent who wants to see what to expect. Schooling is expensive and any leg up would be helpful.

Additionally, guidance from the Foreword of the book shows that these skill sets are “needed in order to become “professionals,” and not “technicians,” the public sometimes perceives that we are.”

 Working world – what it’s like and pitfalls to avoid.

The next few chapters show one what to expect in a place of employment. Shown also are some of the patterns that can be detrimental to businesses. One is “just-in-time jobs” can deplete the reservoir a company might need for their next endeavor. Topics were well covered and explained about companies looking through a soda straw instead of seeing the bigger picture. Now, positioning oneself to be on the lookout for what companies’ (perceived) needs are is important. This section of the book tickled my systems engineering ears when listing what to provide employers: “Finally, being a problem solver, applying systems thinking, showing an appreciation for the business aspect, being able to manage your own time, and knowing where to concentrate your energies comprise the key criteria employers look for in new young engineers.” And I would add any level of experienced engineers. Included are problem-solving and systems thinking sections with a strong mention of INCOSE. Included is a chapter on the job hunt. The author does show that being part of a professional society and networking can be paramount in finding meaningful work. I can personally attest to this concept since my most recent employment was due to my connections within INCOSE.

 An entire chapter on communication – the engineer’s lynchpin

This chapter is paramount. Shows that no matter how technically astute one is, being able to communicate can be more important than any technical prowess one has. Here’s an example of the author driving home a point:

You might say. “Well, so what? Who cares if I don’t write well? As an engineer, I’ll be judged on my technical prowess, and once they see what a star I am at that, my writing skills won’t matter”

Wrong, wrong, and wrong again.

How can an engineer be wrong three times in a row? Apparently, it isn’t very hard to do.

And simple mistakes like “The number of times I’ve seen the word “your” used in place of “you’re” is beyond recollection. This has only to happen once and your document has the stamp of an illiterate.” – pretty hard-hitting but very important, as he says.

The author notes that there are many audiences; peers, immediate boss, senior manager, and even to the public. I admit that my colleagues and I often grapple with this when selecting UAF/DoDAF views to render information to various stakeholders. One size does not fit all.

 Wrapping it up

The author provides some final thoughts – I like the one where he talks about the TV show Numb3rs as being close to showing engineering methods. I liked watching a SyFy TV show called Eureka that showed systems thinking to solve the disaster of the week. But he does show why we aren’t in the movie and TV media more often. Would Tony Stark of Iron Man movies qualify?

Engineers are professionals who solve problems. Also, sage advice – “Your attitude will impact your success as an engineer just as much as the tangible skills you bring to the table.”

Also, consider your career as a journey, not just a destination.

One of the strong points shown is:

Research has disproved the notion of being born with a natural gift or talent. Extensive research conducted in the U.K. on the linkage between talent and other factors, as reported in Fortune by Geoffrey Colvin, concluded: “The evidence we have surveyed … does not support the [notion that] excelling is a consequence of possessing innate gifts.” In essence, researchers found that those who were great at something became that way because, unsurprisingly, they worked the hardest.

And one of the final tips: Read. Not skimming material, reading.

 Every Chapter: 5 mins and Takeaways

Every chapter has a 5-minute review. Now after telling you to read it, this is strictly a review. Please read the original material. Do not cheat yourself. Also, for those who want assignments, there are Takeaways to work on to research and find answers for yourself.

Also, Afterward, acknowledgments, references, further reading, and a bibliography.

The author has an extensive bio presented; the only “ding” I can give him is that he does not appear to be an INCOSE member. You are in good company with the author with his extensive background.

 My recommendation

I found this book to be an excellent read. The conversational style made it an easy read, but don’t let that diminish the notion that it is any less important.

The big takeaway is that this book provides insight. Good on ya, Reece. I do look forward to the next edition since we are in a post-pandemic work environment. I would like to know what his research shows that may have changed.