Alex Toth
@alexxtoth
I explain complex systems in a simple way! Building the future while guiding YOU to do the same. Systems Addict! Services: use.toth.al/profile/produc…
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There are 2 main ways people tend to think about a #system
I'm passionate in both. And enjoy using tools from science of systems to make life better.
Breaking the Experience Paradox
Systems Engineering catch-22:
You need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience.
Sound familiar?
Here's how to break this cycle: 👇
1. Personal projects: Build a small-scale system at home. Document your process, challenges, and solutions.
2. Open source contributions: Many projects need systems thinkers. Start small, grow your involvement.
3. Internships or co-ops: Any engineering experience is valuable 👇
Starting Your Systems Engineering Journey despite CHAOS
1/5 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘃𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲. How to best get into SE:
It's like comparing chess to a food fight.
One's orderly. The other's messy but real.
How to excel in the 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗼𝘀: 👇
2/5 • Textbooks show idealized scenarios
• Real projects have tons of constraints
• Stakeholders rarely agree on what they want
• Legacy systems are a pain to work with
The Power of Strategic Ignorance
Systems Engineering myth: You need to know every detail.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Sometimes, less knowledge is more power.
5 reasons why strategic ignorance is crucial: ⏬
1. Depth vs Breadth: You can't be an expert in everything
2. Analysis Paralysis: Too much detail = decision gridlock
3. Big Picture Focus: Sometimes abstraction is your friend
4. Delegation: Trust experts for the nitty-gritty
5. Adaptability: Less mental clutter = faster pivots
The Power of Strategic Ignorance
Controversial opinion: Sometimes, the best Systems Engineers are the ones who know less.
Sounds crazy, right? But hear me out. 👇
There's power in strategic ignorance, and here's why it matters:
1. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀
Ever found yourself so deep in the weeds that you can't see the forest for the trees? Yeah, me too. It's a common trap for us detail-oriented folks.
Perfectionism is productivity's kryptonite.
Try this instead: The "just do something" principle.
Here's how it works:
This approach:
• Builds consistency
• Leads to compound results over time
• Makes you mentally tougher
Small consistent efforts add up to big achievements
Ever heard of Productive Procrastination?
It's the art of delaying daunting tasks by engaging in useful activities, like organizing your workspace or learning something new.
Engineers: Details vs. Big Picture
Ever wonder why some Engineers struggle while others thrive?
It's not about who knows more. It's about who knows what matters.
A tale of two engineers: 👇
The first engineer, Alice, immediately dove into the details. She spent weeks analyzing concrete mixtures, debating bolt types, and creating elaborate wind simulations.