The Cost of Ignoring Global Networking: How Engineers Are Being Outpaced by Non-Western Competitors
Marc LeVine
Empowering Engineers & Advancing Careers | Talent Acquisition Manager, Blogger, Podcast Guest, Conference Speaker | Hiring those Built to Succeed in Control Systems Engineering for Thermo Systems
In today's interconnected world, a disturbing trend is unfolding: many engineering professionals in America and Western Europe are being outpaced by their counterparts in non-Western countries. As economies continue to shift, especially post-pandemic, professionals in these regions are leveraging the power of platforms like LinkedIn for networking and knowledge-sharing, while too many in the West remain isolated, missing out on valuable opportunities.
Did you know there are over 200 million LinkedIn users in the U.S. alone, and millions more across Western Europe? Yet, a significant portion of these professionals are disengaged—with many rarely posting, connecting, or engaging meaningfully with their network. At the same time, countries from Asia, Africa, and Latin America are making massive strides in building global relationships, sharing knowledge, and expanding their influence.
The impact is already being felt. Engineering professionals who fail to evolve, learn new skills, and build global connections risk being left behind as non-Western competitors, who are more active on these platforms, gain traction. When the next economic downturn hits, this "neo-isolation" attitude could leave many engineers with a long list of regrets and missed opportunities.
The truth is, no one is an island unto themself, and "it takes a village" to thrive in today’s interconnected world. The time to act is now—before the price of isolation becomes too steep to pay. Don’t let yourself fall behind.
#GlobalNetworking #LinkedIn #ProfessionalDevelopment #EngineeringCareers #NetworkingMatters #CareerGrowth #MissedOpportunities #AdaptOrPerish #KnowledgeSharing #StayConnected #EconomicDownturn #EngineerLife #InternationalNetworking
Marc LeVine is a Syracuse (NY) University graduate with a degree in Industrial Psychology; Marc is currently a Talent Acquisitions Manager at Thermo Systems. He received the Excellence in Talent Acquisitions Award from HR Awards in 2021.
Marc's prior employment includes senior Human Resources and Staffing Industry management roles with Edgewood Properties in Piscataway, NJ; Brickforce Staffing in Edison, NJ; InfoPro Inc. in Woodbridge, NJ and Plainsboro, NJ; and Harvard Industries in Farmingdale, NJ; a former Fortune 500 company. He also served as Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the parent company of the Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune, and WKXW-NJ101.5. Earlier in his career, Marc served as Director of Career Services and Placement at Union Technical Institute in Eatontown and Neptune, NJ. In addition, Marc owned and operated Integrity Consulting Associates, a New Jersey-based Human Resources and Social Media Marketing firm, for 11 years. Marc also served as Council President in his Freehold Borough, NJ hometown.
Marc's prior employment includes senior Human Resources and Staffing Industry management roles with Edgewood Properties in Piscataway, NJ; Brickforce Staffing in Edison, NJ; InfoPro Inc. in Woodbridge, NJ and Plainsboro, NJ; and Harvard Industries in Farmingdale, NJ; a former Fortune 500 company. He also served as Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the parent company of the Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune, and WKXW-NJ101.5. Earlier in his career, Marc served as Director of Career Services and Placement at Union Technical Institute in Eatontown and Neptune, NJ. In addition, Marc owned and operated Integrity Consulting Associates, a New Jersey-based Human Resources and Social Media Marketing firm, for 11 years. Marc also served as Council President in his Freehold Borough, NJ hometown.