When I first graduated from technical school, I started looking for an internship. I had just graduated from a technical course in electromechanics and was already going through the tedious process of job interviews, psychological tests, anxiously waiting for HR to give me positive feedback (or not), and if it went wrong, starting the cycle all over again.

After entering engineering, I realized that this same cycle started over again. In my case and that of some friends, it wasn’t as bad because we ended up staying in the field we worked in. But for those without a technical course, it was different.

The truth is that at this moment, you end up accepting the internship or opportunity that comes your way. The majority of people, eager to make money and enter the job market, make decisions that they often regret later.

After going through this job hunt twice, having worked in more than one area of engineering and in the same area but in different segments, I’ll share some information that they unfortunately don’t teach in schools. But with this text, you’ll be able to better assess your career. Let’s go?

Truth 1: Each engineering field has its own market dynamics
My first job was at a company that worked on detailing projects for metal structures. I started there in 2007 and immediately felt the impact of a crisis (the famous 2008 crisis).

From one year to the next, I saw a company that used to enjoy paying overtime to its employees begin to lay them off. I myself often sat in front of my computer and spent an entire day doing nothing because there were no projects in the company.

After talking to some friends who had been working in this field for several years, I realized that this seasonality was common. When a crisis hits, the first decision companies usually make is to block new projects, and as a result, we end up without work.

This situation sparked my interest in working in industry. Despite also being affected by the crisis, I noticed that my friends working there suffered less. Maintenance, for example, has a strategic role in an industry. In a crisis, one of the last sectors to be affected is maintenance, since it is more difficult to train people to work on equipment that is often very specific.

In other words, always evaluate the sector you’re entering. Its instability can create instability in your life.

Truth 2: Different segments pay differently for the same professional
I have worked in industrial maintenance for over 12 years. As an employee, I have worked in civil construction, steelmaking (refractory manufacturing), and oil (refineries).

What I can say with 100% certainty is that each of these segments compensates the maintenance team in a different way.

A basic explanation of how this works: maintenance costs are divided into labor, materials, and services. According to ABRAMAN (Brazilian Maintenance Association), companies spend an average of 4% of their gross revenue on maintenance. That is, the higher your revenue, the higher your expenditure. And a portion of it goes to labor.

I can assure you with 100% certainty that in the construction industry, maintenance is not treated with the same importance as in aviation or the oil sector, for example. This is often due to cultural and budgetary reasons. So the question arises: which sector should you work in? Is it better to be a planner in an industry that pays more or one that pays less? Considering the work is practically the same.

And to finish this topic, I’ll tell you: to change, just look for an opportunity in the segment you want, even if you don’t have experience in it. I moved from civil construction to steelmaking. The challenge was great, but when you understand the basics well, your effort and interest will compensate for the lack of experience.

Truth 3: Different sectors provide different resources for you to work with
When I worked with projects, I didn’t have problems with resources. You need a computer, an air-conditioned room, and software. The license isn’t cheap, but resources are easily accessible. That’s not the case with maintenance, for example.

When I started in civil construction, the company I worked for didn’t have a room or a computer for the maintenance manager. Let alone software.

Over time, we improved results and resources were gradually made available to us. But nothing compared to the resources I had while working in steelmaking and the oil sector.

Predictive maintenance, routine planning, major shutdown planning, maintenance software, shutdowns coordinated with the PCP with annual programming, CAPEX for retrofitting and purchasing new equipment…

Many times, we are excellent professionals, but the company demands from us without providing the necessary resources to complete such tasks. Be aware of this. Sometimes it’s difficult to keep hitting a brick wall.

Truth 4: If you want to earn more, go into management
There will always be the dilemma between those who work in execution and those who work in PCM (Planning and Control of Maintenance). Both jobs are important, but there will always be questions like:

• “He stays in the office and doesn’t get dirty. I should be earning more.”
• “Without planning, nothing happens. The brain of maintenance is here.”

The truth is that PCM professionals, supervisors, analysts, and engineers will earn more than field technicians, except in rare cases. If you want to grow and have higher salaries, try to understand people and learn how to manage them.

Truth 5: Letting life take you is only cool in Zeca Pagodinho’s song
I’ve talked to several people whose careers I admire. The vast majority of them have a clear plan of courses, what they want, when they want it… and everything is written down on paper.

I’ve worked with people who have been at the same company for 30 years. Yet they live complaining about what they do, the time they do it, and take no action.

Create a career plan and periodically assess your progress. Change is painful, brings insecurity and fear. But sometimes, our place is in the unknown.

Everything starts with a vision of the future
Many times we need to visit the future to idealize what we want. See how close or far we are to create a plan to get closer to it.

We’re used to making decisions without knowing exactly why we made them. And that always leads us somewhere. Often, somewhere we don’t want to be.

If you’re graduating, analyze whether you’re starting in the field you really want to work in. If you’re not so young anymore, don’t worry. Your acquired skills may allow you to get to the role, sector, or position you want faster.

My question is: do you know what you want?