3 way engineers can focus on passion projects

Engineering is a rewarding career and many professionals in this field are passionate about what they do in their 9-5 careers. So passionate that many of them start a side project or passion project after work hours or on the weekend. However, it can be difficult to focus on passion projects, especially if you have a family to look out for or are experiencing challenges in other parts of your life. Here are a few ways to focus on your passion projects, even if it’s just a few hours per week.

1. Join a networking organization

If you join an engineering networking organization, like our association at ACEC Utah, you gain access to a wide range of networking events and training. When you’re connected with like-minded individuals, chances are you’ll find someone with the same interests as you who may want to join you in working on a passion project. It’s much easier to be consistent with a side gig if you have an accountability partner to check in with.

You can also sign up for yearly networking conferences that help you learn new skills to help your project be more innovative and up-to-date with the latest technology and practices. Just be sure that your current passion project does not interfere with any of the work or noncompete agreements you’ve signed at your full-time job.

2. Branch out of engineer best practices

Although you must adhere to engineering best practices at your full-time job, your passion project is where you can branch out. It’s common to be focused on your tech stack and how to scale it, but your side project may be more multi-faceted than that.

Being hesitant to branch out into new practices is what will hold your side project back. Take your time to develop new technology and processes that are more unique than any other product or idea on the market.

3. Find a mentor

Finding a mentor makes the process more enjoyable, even if your side project is just for fun (which most are). You’ll learn so much by picking a senior’s brain in your field with similar values and ideas. If you’re unsure where to get started with finding a mentor, try asking friends or colleagues about who they consider an expert in your field.

To learn more about the long-term benefits of ACEC Utah membership, visit our website or call 801.657.4470.