r/engineering's Weekly Career Discussion Thread [29 October 2018]

Underselling My Own Skills

I've noticed recently that I have a habit of underselling myself whenever I'm approached with a new task at my job. Now that I'm aware of this, I'm concerned that it's going to affect my long term career goals but I'm not sure how to fixing it.

For background, I've been working at the same place since I finished undergrad in 2013. Since then I've completed two masters degrees in engineering. I think I should be able to accomplish almost anything within my engineering field, but whenever I'm asked to do something new I hesitate. This hesitation usually makes the opportunity go to someone else.

Despite being aware of this I can't decide if I'm behaving appropriately or not. On one hand, learning on the job is part of developing as an engineer. On the other hand, I feel guilty taking on work that I don't know for certain that I can complete successfuly.

My long term goal is to become a constulant or do freelance in my field, but I'm concerned my unwillingness to take on new challenges is going to interfere with that.

Is it appropriate for me to take on work knowing that I will have to teach myself how to complete it?

/r/engineering Thread