Retrain as an accountant or go into technical sales: the traditional solutions for young engineers who fancy doing something more commercial. Yet contrary to the wisdom imparted by many careers officers, these are far from being the only options open to engineers with a passion for business. A hybrid profession can be a great career move because demand for people with a blend of skills currently outstrips the extremely limited supply Choose carefully, and you will have a fascinating new career that combines your passion for technology with your drive to operate at the sharp end of business.

How about technical journalism, or its more commercial counterpart Media Relations? The UK enjoys the strongest trade press of any country worldwide. We have more specialist titles than even the vast US market and they all require journalists with sufficient industry knowledge to write articles that even the leading specialists will find authoritative. Most have little technical training, succeeding because they have exceptional journalistic skills. Those that do have a technical training, however, quickly develop a formidable reputation.

For those fascinated by technology or by technology businesses, this can open up opportunities that few other

professions can provide. Trade journalists will interview theleaders of the world's leading technology companies, will enjoy time with some of the greatest innovators and have opportunities to see many of the most exciting new inventions.

Although there are excellent training schemes for journalists, many learn solely from their more experienced colleagues and can do equally well, given some innate Although there are excellent training schemes for journalists, many learn solely from their more experienced colleagues and can do equally well, given some innate

talent. Indeed, many excellent writers have already enjoyed successful engineering careers. They have a passion for words and for accurate communication, combined with an engineer's rigour and appreciation of structure. Journalists, however, seldom have a commercial role in a business yet for many that is one of the most rewarding aspects of a career. Helping a company improve, grow, provide more employment and deliver exciting technologies is still what drives many of us. A career in technical media relations (also known as Public Relations) can fulfil all of these aspirations.