The Untapped Power of Public Speaking for Engineers: Boost Your Career and Your Company's Profile
Marc LeVine
Empowering Engineers & Advancing Careers | Talent Acquisition, Blogger, Podcast Guest, Conference Speaker | Hiring those Built to Succeed in Control Systems Engineering for Thermo Systems
Summary: Tamara, a mechanical engineer specializing in mission-critical data center automation, is a behind-the-scenes problem solver. She designs complex systems to ensure data centers operate without disruption, a skill highly valued within her organization. However, despite her expertise, she feels invisible outside her team. She wants to increase her professional visibility but isn't sure where to start.
At an industry conference, Tamara meets Choi, a fellow engineer who has transformed his career by embracing public speaking and outreach. Choi’s ability to share his knowledge with confidence inspires Tamara, prompting her to ask for advice.
The Challenge: From Engineer to Industry Advocate
“Tamara, your technical knowledge is incredible, but you’re not just an engineer—you’re a thought leader in data center automation. The world needs to hear your expertise,” Choi advises. “Public speaking, podcasts, media appearances—these platforms will not only boost your personal career but raise your company’s profile too.”
Tamara hesitates. “I’m not a natural speaker. What if I sound too technical or mess up?”
Choi smiles. “Start small. You don’t need to jump into big conferences right away. Focus on local meetups, webinars, or writing articles. Each step you take will prepare you for bigger opportunities. Public speaking is a skill, and like any skill, it improves with practice.”
Tip #1: Start Small and Build Confidence
Taking Choi’s advice, Tamara begins by giving internal presentations at her company, explaining data center automation projects to colleagues from non-technical departments. She quickly learns that simplifying her explanations helps her communicate more effectively and boosts her confidence. These early experiences provide Tamara with a safe space to hone her skills.
Tamara soon extends her reach to virtual events, including webinars and local meetups. These platforms give her a low-pressure environment to refine her speaking ability, while expanding her visibility within the industry. She also starts recording her thoughts for podcasts, engaging with a broader audience.
Each step builds her confidence, and soon Tamara finds herself speaking at larger industry events. Her career trajectory is shifting.
Tip #2: Leverage Media Opportunities for Greater Visibility
Choi encourages Tamara to broaden her media presence. “Write for industry publications, pitch yourself for interviews, and offer your insights on podcasts. The exposure will boost your personal profile and showcase your company’s leadership.”
Tamara follows through, writing articles about emerging trends in data center automation—covering topics like energy efficiency and system resilience. She also reaches out to local media, offering her expertise on technology innovations. These appearances give her a platform to share her knowledge with a wider audience and increase her company’s visibility.
As her media appearances increase, so does her influence. Tamara’s company benefits as well, gaining recognition for its innovative solutions in the data center space. Her efforts on podcasts and in articles lead to media coverage that generates business inquiries and attracts top talent.
Tip #3: Be Authentic and Relatable
“Don’t just talk about the technical side,” Choi advises. “People connect with your passion and your journey. Share your story, the challenges you’ve overcome, and why you care about your work.”
Tamara takes this advice to heart. In her podcast interviews, she shares her personal journey—from the self-doubt she faced early in her career to her passion for automation and systems optimization. Her vulnerability resonates with her audience, making her expertise more relatable and approachable.
Her authentic storytelling strengthens her presence, transforming her from a technical expert to a trusted voice in the industry. Tamara’s confidence continues to grow, and her professional identity shifts from behind-the-scenes engineer to an influential thought leader.
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Bonus Tip: Consider These Actionable Steps
Here’s a simple roadmap to get started:
Final Thought: Elevate Your Career and Your Company’s Reputation
Public speaking, media outreach, and thought leadership are powerful tools for personal and professional growth. Engineers who embrace these opportunities can not only advance their careers but also bring recognition to the companies they represent. As Tamara learned, it’s not just about individual recognition—it’s about amplifying your company’s reputation and standing out as a leader in your field.
Reader’s Question:
How has public speaking or media outreach impacted your career and your company’s visibility?
Suggested Hashtags for Sharing: #MissionCriticalSystems #PublicSpeakingForEngineers #CareerGrowth
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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.
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