Engineering is one of the most reliable, thriving industries out there. No matter how the economy is performing, there will always be a demand for good engineers. We will always continue to build higher, explore further, and invent new technologies. Engineers are at the heart of these industries, and there’s a secure, exciting future ahead. However, not all of us fit the mold for working at a traditional engineering firm.
Some engineers also have an entrepreneurial heart. After all, the engineers are the world’s best inventors. So, how does an engineer start building a business? How do they compete with the biggest companies in the industry? In this post, we’ll dig into the specifics of starting an engineering company. Think you’ve got what it takes?
Experience – Unfortunately, engineering isn’t a career you simply jump into. It takes years of studying, training, and active work experience. Great engineers are made from experience, trial-and-error, and tutelage. Our advice is to build up a foundation of strong knowledge and experience at an engineering firm first. You’ll gather the basics, and understand how the industry works. You’ll also make some key contacts and start to build your network. You’ll need it when you’re pitching for new projects as an entrepreneur.
Choose a niche – In the world of engineering, no-one wants a jack-of-all-trades. Your clients will be looking for an expert in their field. They want someone with intimate and in-depth knowledge in a particular area. So, if you’re going solo, pick a niche in which you have a ton of experience and expertise. You should also pick a niche that has a bright an exciting future. It might be in the field of chemical engineering, or the fledgling world of computer engineering. Visit http://futuresinengineering.org for more ideas and inspiration.
Equipment – Some entrepreneurs will get their business off the ground with almost no equipment at all. Unfortunately, that’s rarely a possibility for engineers! The engineering industry is supported by a huge range of technical equipment. As a business owner, you’ll need to consider purchasing the essentials. If you’re a chemical engineer, for example, you’ll find everything you need at https://www.denios-us.com. If you’ve built up plenty of experience, you should be able to highlight the best places to buy new equipment.
Additional startup costs – Purchasing the necessary equipment will eat up a large chunk of your startup costs. However, there are also additional things to consider. You may need to pay advertising or marketing costs to reach out to new clients. You’ll also need to pay for website design to create a digital presence. There will be employees and consultants to pay too. Engineering comes with some of the highest startup costs out there.
Securing your first project – All that’s left to do is land that first big contract. Start by contacting any and all of your old connections. Let them know you’re open for business, and start setting up meetings. It might take a while to land that first project, but the hard work is all worth it in the end!
Best of luck out there with your new venture!
I can’t even fathom trying to start my own engineering business… I mean, majoring in engineering is one thing, but actually starting a brand new engineering business? Let’s just say I hope you, by some miracle, have some money left over to invest in a business after taking out a zillion dollars worth of student loans. You’re gonna need it!