Episode 42: The Engineering Career You Always Wanted with Zach White
Synopsis
Episode 42. The path to becoming an engineer may appear easy to some, but it’s not. It takes good grades, practice, reading and lots of time. Eventually you hit the world of work and it isn’t quite as easy as your favourite math, physics or programming challenge. Zach White was on a leading path to the top of his company as an engineer, just like he always wanted and hoped. Then he realized it wasn’t what he wanted anymore, but didn’t know why or what it meant.
This set him on a journey to find out what was “wrong” with him, so he could like work better. Today he hosts The Happy Engineer, a podcast that helps engineering leaders reach the next level without suffering burnout. He also founded Oasis of Courage, a coaching company that specifically supports leaders in engineering.
As Greg and Zach discuss on this episode, it isn’t always easy knowing what you want - lots about the world of work and your happiness is in your head…but it’s not always easy to understand.
Key Takeaways and Discussion
Where Zach started his professional career.
The strategy he learned early on for success and why it led to burnout.
How Zach stumbled upon coaching and the way it impacted his career today.
The types of people drawn to his business outside of engineers.
The experience that led Zach away from a business degree and towards engineering.
The surprising way he ended up with an internship at Whirlpool.
What the hardest parts of an engineering job actually look like.
The emotion that primarily led Zach in the first half of his career and why.
Why showing up with the right energy in the workplace matters.
Common symptoms and contributing factors of burnout.
Why engineering leaders are overwhelmed and what they can do about it.
How to let your personal definition for success guide you in your career.
Zach’s Background
Educational background is in Mechanical Engineering, with a BS from Purdue University and a Masters of Science from the University of Michigan
He built his career over many years at Whirlpool.
Today acts as the CEO & Founder of Oasis of Courage
Currently hosts a podcast called The Happy Engineer and on Linked-In