What Lessons About Career And Getting A Job Can Engineers Learn From Children?

Have you ever been in a classroom where that one picture was starring at you?

Well, imagine yourself building a new school, with tons of kindergarden stuff around you. That was me.

As engineers, we often have time to reflect. But, it isn’t often that we reflect on the point of our work.

When I was finishing up the new construction of an elementary school in Sunnyside, NY, I walked into a classroom with a bunch of pictures.

One of them really made think:

“That’s a good question”, I thought to myself.

“What do we do?”, “Why am I working in the first place?, “Who did I really build this for?”

As I starred at the picture, I realized that there is more to my job than just solving problems. We actually help make learning possible for kids. I mean, kids don’t have to worry about anything! They just learn and play because we put in the work -_-

They have fun.

Why being a kid is more fun than being a 24-year old engineer? >.<

We can do tons of stuff, too! But, the more I looked at these images, the more I realized how much our lives suck.

Those darn kids have it good! Why we gotta be the one who make good stuff for them?!

Anyway… we are always looking to find the “best method”, but never think about who benefits from it.

Imagine what our work does for another person… It makes a difference.

So, what can we learn from kids?

Let’s take a look at 12 other lessons I learned while being in that classroom that made me realize that sometimes we just need to think like a kid.

Lessons We Can Learn From Children

Good engineers never try to solve a problem. Because problems aren’t solvable. They don’t have a finite answer. Solve by imagining.

Think like a kid.

 …

Engineering is just what you are above. A bunch of shortcuts and with a main story and pictures. Find your answer with simplicity, not complications.

Think like a kid.

 …

Sometimes, it’s just too good to be true. That’s why we don’t believe it.

Be quiet.

Follow the instructions.

Think like a kid.

 …

Mistakes are good. That’s why we need to edit. No one is perfect.

If you don’t ask questions, you can’t find answers.

Think like a kid.

 …

Our way of thinking is based off of emotion. Don’t let that go away.

Emotion makes story interesting.

Be brave.

Think like a kid.

 …

Math has always helped to see things faster. Calculus is just another shortcut.

Know it’s utility and keep looking at “10”. 10 is the answer.

Think like a kid.

 …

The story was the point, not the words. Without your umbrella, how will you stay dry?

Overcome challenge through positivity. Tell what happened in your story, then accept the lessons that come with it.

Think like a kid.

 …

Strategy is your friend. Strategy makes life simple.

Keep it simple. Even the strategy. Repeat as required.

Think like a kid.

 …

Explain yourself to your friend.

Understand yourself first. Then, explain.

Think like a kid.

 …

Answer with reflections. Teaching helps you to reflect.

Make connections in yourself through teaching.

Don’t look for reflection.

Think like a kid.

 …

As an engineer once said, “Think like a computer, work like a kid”.

Share. Tell more. Next. How.

Strategy isn’t the beginning. It’s the “How” to your question.

Always remember… you are not alone.

Just think like a kid.