No matter what industry in which women work, there are universal tips that can help women in every field differentiate themselves and simultaneously move forward in the workplace.

The following five key tips can help women gain control of their careers, take positive steps to put their professional growth on the fast track, and showcase what makes them unique, indispensable resources for their employers.

They’re designed to help women gain and retain momentum in the professional arena of any field, sector or industry, including engineering.

1. The Early Bird Gets the Worm. Showing up a little early for work is never a bad idea. It shows you’re excited about your work and committed to your organization. Arriving a little early each morning demonstrates that you’re enthusiastic and eager to get involved. Whether it’s catching up on email or reading company news, the extra time will allow you to get a jump start on the day and get settled in.

2. Anticipate Management’s Need. Give some thought to what’s going on at the organization and/or on a particular project in which you’re involved. Be proactive and think about what your boss may ask of you and have it ready in advance, meaning take care of a task before it’s even brought up. Remember, too, if trouble arises, to approach your manager to address the issue(s), but remember to make sure that you walk in his or her office armed with some good ideas about how to fix the issue.

3. Don’t Hesitate to Step Up. Consider being proactive and stepping forward to embrace new tasks and/or challenges. This will help to highlight you as an individual that’s invested in the organization’s overall success. Consider getting involved in your office committee or the holiday party planning team. Participation in “extracurricular activities” will show you’re emotionally invested in the company beyond just your job description. Don’t shy away from offering to step up and work on a new project, even if it’s outside your main department.

4. Make Time for Face Time, Offline. Connect with the people in your office, whether they’re in your own department or another, because having face time is essential in helping to bond with internal influencers/advocates. With the ever-growing popularity of social media, people often forget the importance of old-fashioned face-to-face interaction. Don’t be shy in connecting with others, especially senior-level executives. It could be as simple as a smile and saying hello in the hallway and/or company break room.

5. Network. Think of every meeting or encounter as a networking opportunity. Whether you’re out at a corporate event or simply socializing outside the office, an essential key to your success is connecting with as many people as possible - both inside and outside your industry - who can potentially help to support you, and vice versa. And make sure to always carry your business card because you never know whom you may meet.