By Nathan Staples, Valtus UK intern
The Valtus UK network is full of former engineers who have taken the step into interim management.
As an intern with a passion for engineering, I’m keen to explore the skills and attributes that make for an effective interim manager, which is why I was curious to find out why so many engineers have taken this career path and what the benefits are for them and their clients.
I spoke to several people in the Valtus UK network to find out how their engineering backgrounds have put them in a strong position to thrive as an interim manager. Here are three key points that emerged during my conversations:
Engineers love to problem solve
Interim managers are often placed in organisations that are facing tough challenges and need a fresh perspective to find new solutions. Engineers have been doing this all their working lives – they’re problem-solvers by nature who are laser-focused on the best way to reach an objective. As Paul Dakin summed up: “Engineering gives you a really good basis for working through problems”.
They have multiple transferable skills
Engineers develop a versatile skillset that can be applied across many sectors. Steve Luczkiw confirmed that “even if you go into other types of industry and different careers, the skills you develop in engineering are definitely transferable”.
Alongside the problem solving abilities discussed above they have a process mindset that enables them to think logically and develop solutions quickly. Engineers also bring attributes they aren’t always associated with such as leadership. As Mark Manning described: “I like the administrative side of engineering. If you get good at administration and are good at problem solving, eventually it leads into leadership.”
Sharp minds make successful engineers
It takes brain power and years of continuous learning to become a brilliant engineer. So when you employ one as an interim manager you know they will bring expertise and experience. As Xavier Delhaise explained, it is a highly respected skillset: “If I hadn’t been a rocket scientist, probably the top business school I went to in the US wouldn’t have looked at my application the way they did.”
Whether they specialise in aerospace, electrical, mechanical or any other form of engineering, you can have confidence that engineers are bright sparks able to make a rapid positive impact on your business.
Everybody I spoke to said that engineering was a vital springboard to their future achievements. This is both because of the skills it has helped them develop and the broad set of opportunities it has opened for them in terms of taking their career in new and interesting directions.
As an aspiring engineer this has given me the confidence to continue down that path. Most importantly for Valtus UK’s clients, our large engineering talent pool means we can rapidly identify and place the person with the right skills to deliver value quickly.
To discuss how we and our network of interim managers could support your organisation’s turnaround, get in touch here.