You might be completing a degree or working your way through a technical apprenticeship.

Either way, here are our top 5 tips on driving your career forward:

1. Courses are Good BUT They’re not Enough
Develop deep expertise in PLC programming and how software projects are structured at system integrators. Earning certifications but also engaging in hands‐on projects not only builds your technical skills but also makes you more attractive to employers.

2. Gain Practical, Real-World Experience
Employers highly value candidates who can demonstrate applied knowledge. Whether through a year in industry, or an internship, practical experience is essential to prove your ability to solve real control systems challenges.

3. Stay Current with Emerging Technologies
The industrial automation field is rapidly evolving especially as you dive into niche areas of how the technology is applied for example looking at the standards within industrial cyber security, IIoT technology developments, pharma, dairy, or nuclear. Staying up to date with the regulatory landscape and how that influences what standards you use will keep you ahead of the game.

4. Tailor Your CV and Build Your Network
Your CV shouldn’t be a shopping list of all the PLCs you’ve come across or all the design applications you’ve worked on. Customize your CV to highlight relevant technical skills and experiences – for example if you’ve supported a controls project say what you did and talk about your impact. In addition, actively network—both online (e.g., LinkedIn) and at industry events—not every job is advertised online.

5. Work on and Highlight Soft Skills and Problem-Solving Abilities
Beyond technical prowess, companies seek engineers who can communicate effectively, collaborate in teams, and navigate complex issues with emotional intelligence. Prepare to share concrete examples of how you’ve solved challenging problems and contributed to team success in your interviews.

Projects don’t always go to plan and it creates tense and awkward situations. If you’re in a junior role you might be on site commissioning or working on part of the install. That interaction is a golden opportunity – it’s how you respond to these situations and the impact of your actions that prospective employers are interested in.