I have had a varied career that has not always been engineering-related, though I exceedingly value the skillsets I gained in engineering school and have always found it vital to maintain a technical expertise. While I have ADD in real life, I also feel like I have a bit of career ADD because I always want to learn more about something from different perspectives. Before and during engineering school I was (and remain) a licensed mechanical contractor doing residential and small commercial work. This gave me a natural understanding of thermal concepts and supported my mechanical engineering work.
After graduation I joined ASHRAE and spent about 10 years developing building mechanical systems in a major electric and gas utility’s R&D group. Yes, this was highly technical in nature, but I was always drawn to the business side. So, I parlayed the technical, analytical and problem-solving skillsets to pivot into a sales leadership role within one of the utility’s operating divisions. This role took me into the field, dealing with customers, rates, teams of all types, and forced me to think strategically from a business perspective. I then went into a major accounts leadership role leading a team whose customers were critical to the overall company success. This then led me to a role in the same utility company developing new business models, interfacing with startups, and managing venture capital investments. After a couple years in this role, I went to work for a private equity real estate firm to stand up a decarbonization business: buildings-related, yes, but a completely different way to look at investments. That company was spun off and merged with the company I now run as the CEO which designs district geothermal systems for real estate developments and implements deep energy retrofits for existing buildings. This role requires every aspect of business and technical acumen you can think of, but it is all supported by the problem-solving skills I gained through engineering.
I think it is perfectly reasonable to search for new ways to leverage your existing skillset while learning new skills. However, not everyone is the same, and if you feel excitement and fulfillment in your role, that is the most important aspect of a career. Throughout it all I have maintained my involvement within ASHRAE and my foundation in technical skills as I believe you always have to a have “major” in your career regardless of what path it takes you.