Mining for diamonds in the land of networking

Mining for diamonds in the land of networking is described in this paper. Because there is no job security, engineers must develop career security by planning and controlling their own destiny. This includes setting goals, taking reasonable risks, expecting detours along the way, not being afraid to fail but always learning failure and developing the confidence to take advantage of our opportunities everyday. Networking provides sources of information and improves the technical skills. Networking can improve the image by removing roadblocks of misunderstanding in the nontechnical world. Although engineering is based on technology, to be successful, engineers must also have effective nontechnical skills. The secret of success is joining these two important skill areas into a winning duo. A balanced approach of knowing as much about the technical field as possible over a life-long career and building networks by applying effective interpersonal and many other communication skills will maximize career success