From Engineering to Entrepreneurship: Finding Success in Career Ventures

This article was written by CEO Eric Giesecke of Planet DDS and originally published in Forbes.com.

Looking back on the early days of my career, I remember the feeling of not knowing where my path would take me. While I graduated with a degree in engineering, I found that my true interests would lead me elsewhere. That realization brought me down an unexpected road where I explored different industries, gained valuable life experience and ultimately discovered my passion for entrepreneurship.

How did I pivot from engineering to entrepreneurship, and what advice can I offer others looking to make a major career change? Let me share my story.

Lessons from the Field to the Office 

My engineering degree laid the foundation for my first job out of college and gave me my first real taste of leadership in international construction. I joined a U.S. subsidiary of an Egyptian company right after 9/11. It was a time of significant global change, and our company was tasked with building large-scale infrastructure for the U.S. government in Afghanistan. 

Those years in Afghanistan shaped how I view responsibility and ownership. Working eighty-hour weeks in such a high-stakes environment almost didn’t feel like work. I enjoyed every moment because I was building something tangible. More importantly, it gave me a glimpse of what I truly valued: the ability to manage people, make decisions and work on a project from the ground up. 

After my experience abroad, I decided that the engineering and construction industry wasn’t for me, but that doesn’t make the experiences I had or what I learned any less valuable. 

My word of advice is to just go for that new job or start your own business even if you think it might not get you to where you want to go. It’s better to start something than to be paralyzed by fear and start nothing at all. Although it can be easy to underestimate the value of the different industries or roles you’ve been in, a variety of experiences can be your greatest asset and will likely provide unique knowledge you can apply to run a business. 

Making the Leap to Entrepreneurship

If you’re considering a shift into entrepreneurship, you’ve probably wondered how to make the leap; the number of unknowns can make it feel intimidating. The truth is, there isn’t a perfect time or a foolproof plan to get started. 

After my time in Afghanistan, I decided to pursue an MBA—which then opened the door to the world of search funds. This business model allowed me to acquire an existing bottleless water cooler company rather than start something from scratch. It reduced some initial entrepreneurial risks but still required the same strategic thinking and willingness to face uncertainty.

If you’re transitioning from a more structured career, ask yourself: “What type of business model fits my strengths and risk tolerance?” The key is to find a route that leverages your previous experience while embracing the new challenges that come with ownership.

Another aspect to consider is financial preparedness. When I ventured into search funds, I had to be comfortable with not making money for the first few years and playing the financial long game. Assess your financial situation carefully before making the leap and ensure you’re ready for the commitment ahead.

Ultimately, I helped grow the business significantly before exiting, and it was my next move into the dental software industry that truly challenged me. I had no background in software or dentistry, but I saw potential and knew there was room for substantial growth.

Embracing Uncertainty in Business

Transitioning to building a software company wasn’t easy. In construction, every detail is planned and accounted for. You know exactly how many screws and nails you’ll need before you begin. In the SaaS industry, however, you have to tolerate and even learn to thrive with a certain amount of chaos as part of the process. You don’t always have a clear roadmap, and you must make decisions quickly. 

I often say that leading a company you’ve acquired at first can be like a foreign organism entering a host body. The first reaction is rejection. To counteract this, you have to be humble, curious and willing to listen to get through this feeling. I focused on finding team members who were excited about change, but I also had to make tough decisions about those who weren’t aligned with our vision.

For anyone considering a leap into entrepreneurship, my number one tip is to simply get comfortable with chaos and ambiguity. Dig your feet in and buckle up. You won’t always have all the answers, and you’ll have to make decisions with limited information. Those who thrive in new business ventures can handle uncertainty, define what matters and move forward.

Leadership Through Authenticity

Leadership also plays a critical role in how your business grows. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned about leadership is the value of authenticity. When I first entered the software business, I had to be upfront with my team when I didn’t know something, and that honesty helped build trust.

In business, it’s tempting to “fake it till you make it,” but that only gets you so far. Your team will respect you more if you’re honest and willing to figure things out together. This transparency builds a strong, cohesive team and is especially crucial as your business goes through the inevitable highs and lows.

Ready to Chart Your Course in the Dental Industry?

The journey from a structured career to entrepreneurship isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. My career has been defined by risk-taking, adaptability and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. 

Don’t overthink every decision if you want to make a change. Nothing will ever be perfect. If you want to do it, just do it. Then, learn from the process and adapt as needed. Life is full of unexpected turns. It’s how you navigate them that defines your success.

Having the right technology can make all the difference in your career path. Contact Planet DDS to learn how our dental practice management software solutions can help your business grow and thrive.