If you are Engineer with technical back ground , i.e. Mechanical , Chemical , Electrical, the only way to gain technical aptitude is by working on the shop floor. Begin your career from the lowest level possible and spend as much time as you can. This will basically put you in the toughest situations possible and polish you to be the finest Engineer. Also during your mid and senior career levels you will be able to control your sub ordinates in the most professional and practical way possible.