Here's how you can secure a raise as an electrical engineer in a challenging economic climate.

Technology is advancing at a rapid pace and, to remain relevant and competitive, we need to keep up with these changes. This means learning new skills, enhancing existing ones, and adapting to new trends and innovations in our field. Upskilling is not only beneficial for our career, but also for our employers. It allows us to bring more value to the table, solve complex problems in new and innovative ways, and ultimately contribute to the success and growth of the company.

Keep learning new technologies and methods relevant to your field. Take courses, earn certifications, and stay updated with industry trends. By continuously improving your skills, you demonstrate your value to the company and make a strong case for a raise despite the tough economic conditions.

Research in neuroscience has shown that our brain's neural connections can be reorganized and strengthened through learning and practice, a concept known as neuroplasticity. When we acquire new skills or knowledge, new neural pathways are formed, and existing ones are reinforced. This process can be leveraged to stay ahead in a challenging economic climate.

I actually find this interesting because it sure enhance one's ability to work with people who are advanced in their roles in their field of expertise and by earning a certification of any specialized area you become skilled and qualified to work alongside them.You become more confident about your career and experience with your company and your specialized skills that you can actually find it useful to your organization and your time and effort to help you achieve your goal.

It will be perfect if you will highlight your value through documented achievements, propose cost saving innovations, continuously upgrade your skills, and be open to new responsibilities.

Building a strong professional network through conferences and associations can provide valuable insights, recommendations, and industry trends, enhancing your skills and supporting your raise request.

Make a list of influential people in your organization, including your supervisor, department head, and other decision-makers. Ensure you have a good understanding of their priorities, goals, and challenges.

An example I see when creating professional networks you become involved in different insights and ideas for new accomplishments.I learn through this networks about opportunities in my field of expertise and experience with the organizational skills and knowledge of what is being shared by others instead of pushing their thoughts and opinions on what is going to happen.I believe that by exposing myself professionally others may have the opportunity to collaborate with you in your ideas .

Demonstrate your value by highlighting specific contributions and quantifiable results. For instance, in my role with the federal government, I improved the efficiency of radar systems, resulting in a 20% reduction in operational costs. Gather data on your accomplishments, such as project outcomes, cost savings, and performance improvements. Present this information during your review meetings to make a compelling case for your raise. Use clear metrics to show how your work directly benefits the organization, making it easier for decision-makers to justify your salary increase even in a tough economic climate.

The “showcase” is not just about self-promotion, but about communicating the value you bring to your organization. This can include successful projects you’ve worked on, complex problems you’ve solved, or innovations you’ve implemented. Demonstrating this value can be key to securing a raise, especially in tough economic times. Employers want to know that they are investing in employees who can bring a significant return to the company.