I have a resume that’s hurting my chances of getting engineering jobs. If I want back in, I need to prove my skills without relying on my past experience. The only way I can think of is to get so good at something specific that people can’t ignore me.
Is it possible to learn enough about drones on my own, from home, to become one of the top experts in a specific and important area in around four years of full-time study? Or is most of the key knowledge kept within companies and hard to access?
I already have a degree in aerospace, so I understand the physics side. My goal is to start a fresh LinkedIn account and share advice, make accurate predictions, or maybe even create a drone-related product that stands out. Any tips or advice would be appreciated.
If your resume is that bad, it might be tough to prove your skills because employers might not even give you a chance. In that case, going the self-employed route could be the best option.
Drones are a great area for self-employment. You could do things like real estate photography, building inspections (with a thermal camera), or even create 3D models of areas using aerial footage and photogrammetry. All you really need to start is a good drone, possibly a pilot license depending on where you live, and time to build up your client base.
Gale said: @Marlo
Are you saying I can land my first client with just the right equipment, no resume, and no prior experience?
Yes, you can start small. Offer to take photos of people’s homes or properties. Once you’re known for good aerial photography, you can branch out into other work. Those first clients can vouch for your skills.
Ashton said:
What’s your goal after becoming an expert?
My main goal is to get a job or clients in the drone industry. I can’t use my resume or past jobs to get there, so I’m trying to stand out in a different way. My plan is to get really good at something niche and important, then go to trade shows or post on LinkedIn and share advice or predictions that make people take notice.
@Gale
You should check out forums about ArduPilot or PX4 and learn everything you can. Build a test drone as well.
The drone industry is changing a lot because of government pressure on Chinese drones, like tariffs and potential bans. Many American drones use ArduPilot/PX4 for their flight controllers and mission planning software. If you master that, you could be valuable to American companies trying to grow.
That might even lead you to an idea for a tool or product to help people in the industry.
@Gale
What makes your resume so toxic? Is it your attitude? If someone comes across as arrogant or hard to work with, people might avoid them. If that’s not the issue, then yes, you can absolutely build a business on your own with drones and succeed.