b'Member News November 2020 21Member storiesMy working life: John Butler CEng FIMechE FIET CDipAFIf theres one piece of advice I could offer to young engineers at the start of their career, its to look out for opportunities and act on them.This was a major factor in my careerhaving this single product to having developmenteven if I didnt recognisedesigned 10 sizes of joint and three it at the time! different variants of design. Whilst many engineering companiesYour rise up the career ladder inJohn Butler CEng FIMechE FIET CDipAFhave gone or changed dramaticallyengineering can be quick. By the ageto list the many benefits (professional over the years, engineering is stillof 26 I had moved from Section Leaderrecognition, CPD, career development as important, or possibly more so,to Assistant to the Chief Engineer toetc.) but I normally respond by saying to the UK than ever. In Birmingham,Assistant Chief Engineer; responsible forthat a more relevant question would be, where I lived, there were so many greataround 35 engineers and technicians.What can I do for the institution?engineering companies; I applied forSometimes you have to make quickWe must continue to build and an apprenticeship at five of them afterdecisions to take full advantage ofmaintain a strong and vibrant leaving school. career opportunities. One evening,engineering base. Engineering is Make sure you take opportunities whenafter my days work had ended, I wasan excellent but under-recognised they arise. As a young apprentice insummoned to the Sales Directorsprofession. Its up to us as members the Jig & Tool Drawing Office at Hardyoffice. He told me the company wasto promote engineering at every Spicer (pre-CAD) I used to look at theexpanding its operation to target moreopportunity.guy in the corner working on complexexport markets, and they neededTo young engineers: education is designs and think, Id like to aspire tosomeone to visit potential areas ofimportant. Its vital to have the best that. Little did I know, not long afterinterest and discuss both technical hed be dismissed for incompetenceanand commercial aspectsand wouldknowledge possible to undertake any opportunity for me! I was asked to takeI do it? I was given until 8:00am therole successfully. Engineering isover, fix any problems and finish the job. following morning to decide. I wenta forever-changing landscapeCPD from running a large engineeringis an important part of an engineers Because of the changing nature ofdepartment to a standalone position. career development.engineering, dont be afraid of changeHaving an internationally recognisedwelcome it. Look for opportunitiesWorking in different countries canqualification, and being an IET member, throughout your career and take themprovide you with so much knowledgewill elevate your status as an engineer when suitable. After finishing myand experience. From reviewing and your career. At a stage in your training, working alongside a small teamprocedures in India to passing on of some of the brightest designers Idexpertise to young engineers in Korea tocareer where youll have worked hardever met, I was asked if I would take ondelivering presentations at technologyto attain what you have; this shouldthe role of section leader for the office.centres in China; I travelled the world be professionally recognised. In engineering, you can experiencefor 15 years. Enjoy what you do. This is possibly the exceptional learning curves. AsYou should always consider what youmost important advice I could offer.an apprentice, I got to witness thecan put back into the profession. WhatI wish you all the success and enjoyment development and design of the constantcan you contribute, particularly toin your professional life as I had in mine.velocity (CV) joint, which was to be usedthose also starting out, to promote on the Mini car. As section leader overengineering? Im often asked, WhatJohn Butlerthe five years after this, we went fromdoes the institution do for you? Its easyCEng FIMechE FIET CDipAFI dedicate this article to my wife, Margaret, who passed away in June. She has been my major inspirationand always encouraged and supported me in everything I have done throughout my working life.Are you a retired member who would like to be featured in our next issue? Please contact us at: membernews@theiet.org'