Transition: engineer to manager: specialist to generalist

The author discusses the trials and tribulations that engineers experience in such transition. Some recommendations on how to cope successfully with these issues are presented. The author presents observations and statistics from a survey, a discussion of the issues experienced in transition from engineers to managers, and a set of recommendations related to preparing for this change. It is suggested that training, education, experience, and awareness are the key points. Engineers must be as prepared as possible by formal training on corporate internal policies, practices, procedures, and processes as well as by formal education, giving them an understanding of the technical, managerial, and business challenges. The practical experience gained as an effective lead engineer is essential for developing people skills, determining when and how to delegate, and exercising various skills required to perform engineering management activities efficiently