The start of a new year often brings reflection and a renewed commitment to self-improvement. For engineers, personal and professional growth go hand in hand, as a more well-rounded individual is often a more effective problem-solver, collaborator, and innovator. With career advancement and self-development on their minds, many engineers are setting their resolutions for 2025—resolutions that not only benefit their own journeys but also strengthen the teams and communities they serve.
Matt Morgan, an electrical engineer at Marcum, shared his goals for the year, providing a glimpse into how personal and professional growth can converge to drive meaningful impact.
Personal Growth: Developing Skills Beyond the Office
When asked about a hobby he plans to develop in 2025, Morgan pointed to woodworking. “I feel that woodworking will help my problem-solving skills that I use in engineering daily,” he explained. “Each woodworking project requires making different pieces work together to construct a functional and visually appealing final product. This mirrors the engineering process, where every project involves integrating diverse components to achieve success.”
Developing a skill outside of one’s primary discipline can improve critical thinking, creativity, and patience. Research shows that engaging in hobbies can enhance job performance by reducing stress and improving focus (source). Morgan’s plan to refine his woodworking skills not only provides a creative outlet but also promises to improve his ability to approach challenges in new ways—a valuable trait for any engineer.
Professional Development: Embracing Emerging Technologies
In the rapidly evolving field of engineering, staying current with emerging trends is essential. Morgan is particularly excited about the growth of solar energy systems. “This year, I want to attend training to learn how to design solar energy systems and incorporate this technology into our work,” he said. “Solar energy is becoming increasingly important in the electrical market, allowing facility owners to achieve net-zero energy usage if enough panels are used.”
Solar energy is indeed a key player in the shift toward sustainable practices. The global solar power market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.5% from 2023 to 2030 (source). Engineers like Morgan, who proactively learn and adopt sustainable technologies, are not only enhancing their skill sets but also helping their firms stay competitive in a greener future.
Team Collaboration: Mentorship and Communication
Engineering is inherently collaborative, and effective teamwork is a cornerstone of success. Recognizing this, Morgan aims to become a better mentor in 2025. “I plan to meet with junior engineers on a monthly basis to discuss their professional development,” he shared. “The past couple of years have been so demanding that we couldn’t do this consistently, but I want to implement regular meetings to address their needs and concerns in a timely manner.”
Fostering mentorship within engineering teams is crucial. Studies indicate that companies with strong mentorship programs experience a 20% increase in employee retention and higher job satisfaction (source). Morgan’s commitment to creating structured opportunities for junior engineers to grow reflects a dedication to building a stronger, more cohesive team at BFW/Marcum.
Long-Term Impact: Designing for the Future
Setting ambitious career goals is an important part of personal and professional growth. For Morgan, achieving certification as a solar energy system designer and using that knowledge to complete a net-zero energy project in his local region is a top priority. “If we could successfully design a project that achieves a net-zero footprint, it would show facility owners the security and sustainability that solar energy provides,” he said. “This could open doors for similar projects in the region and expand our footprint in sustainable design.”
Reaching significant milestones like this not only enhances an individual’s career but also advances the engineering field. Engineers who embrace innovative solutions like solar energy are helping to address critical global challenges, from energy efficiency to climate change.
The Bigger Picture: Full-Service Growth at BFW/Marcum
Growth, whether personal or professional, is essential to the success of any engineer and their organization. At BFW/Marcum, a full-service engineering firm, the importance of developing “full-service people” cannot be overstated. By embracing hobbies that foster creativity, learning new technologies to drive innovation, and mentoring team members to cultivate a supportive environment, engineers ensure they remain adaptable, resilient, and forward-thinking.
Personal growth fuels professional excellence, and vice versa. For Morgan, 2025 is about blending these aspects to become a more well-rounded engineer—one who not only designs solutions but also inspires others to strive for greatness. His resolutions remind us that growth is a lifelong journey, and every step forward benefits not only the individual but their team, clients, and community as well.
As the new year begins, let’s all take a page from Morgan’s playbook: set ambitious goals, embrace opportunities to learn, and remember that growth in all areas strengthens us as professionals and as people. After all, the future of engineering—and the communities we serve—depends on our commitment to constant improvement.
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