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TCEP 213: Women in Engineering: One Woman’s Journey to Engineering Success

June 23, 2022 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/civilengineeringpodcast/TCEP213.mp3

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Women in EngineeringIn this episode, and in honor of National Women in Engineering Day, I talk to Marsia Geldert-Murphey, P.E., F. ASCE, Regional Director of Lochmueller Group, who was recently elected as the ASCE President Elect for 2023. Marsia is also the author of a book called “Cross, Yield or Burn – Navigating the Bridges of Life,” and in this episode, Marsia shares an inspiring story about her career journey leading up to her role as ASCE President and also talks about how we can promote diversity and gender equality for women in engineering.

Engineering Quotes:

Women in Engineering

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Marsia:

  • How did your elevator accident change your perspective in life as well as your journey into ASCE leadership?
  • Did you have to develop new habits after your accident?
  • What is your vision and goal as leader of ASCE?
  • Why did you decide to write your book, “Cross, Yield or Burn – Navigating the Bridges of Life”?
  • What do you hope people will take away from your story and where can listeners find your book?
  • What can be done to promote diversity and gender equality for women in engineering?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Women in Engineering:

[Read more…] about TCEP 213: Women in Engineering: One Woman’s Journey to Engineering Success

Filed Under: Leadership/Management, TCEP-The Civil Engineering Podcast Tagged With: ASCE, ASCE President-Elect, Marsia Geldert-Murphey, Women in engineering

TSEC 80: How Engineers Can Help Preserve and Protect Historic Landmark Structures

June 22, 2022 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thestructuralengineeringpodcast/TSEC080.mp3

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Historic Landmark StructuresIn this episode, we talk to René Vignos, SE, a structural engineer and Principal with Forell/Elsesser Engineers in San Francisco, about retrofitting historic buildings and how engineers can help preserve and protect historic landmark structures.

Engineering Quotes:

Historic Landmark Structures

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask René:

  • What interests you about working on projects that preserve historic structures?
  • What are the first steps you take when you start one of these projects?
  • What are some of the challenges with retrofitting historic buildings in seismic zones?
  • Why and how have you used base isolation technology to retrofit historic buildings?
  • What have been some of the challenges in using this technology in a historic building?
  • What challenges did you face in retrofitting Memorial Stadium at UC Berkeley and how did you overcome those challenges?
  • What are some of the things engineers can do to help preserve and protect historical sites?
  • Do you have any advice for young engineers starting in their careers?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How Engineers Can Help Preserve and Protect Historic Landmark Structures:

[Read more…] about TSEC 80: How Engineers Can Help Preserve and Protect Historic Landmark Structures

Filed Under: TSEC-The Structural Engineering Channel Tagged With: historic buildings, Historic Landmark, historic structures, protect historical sites, René Vignos

TECC 278: The Introverted Engineer: How to Survive in the World of Engineering

June 21, 2022 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/engineeringcareercoach/TECC278.mp3

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introverted engineerIn this episode, Monica Parkin, AMP, provides some great tips for the introverted engineer to help them excel in their engineering career. One lucky listener will also win a copy of her book. To enter, tell us why you think networking for engineers is important by leaving a comment below.

Engineering Quotes:

introverted engineer
introverted engineer

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Introverted Engineer:

[Read more…] about TECC 278: The Introverted Engineer: How to Survive in the World of Engineering

Filed Under: Networking/Client Relations, TECC Podcast-The Engineering Career Coach Podcast Tagged With: extroverts, introverted engineer, introverts, Monica Parkin, networking

3 Ways to Use Your Calendar to Make the Most Out of Your Workweek

June 20, 2022 By EMI

This is a guest post by Jacob Valentien, PE 

Your CalendarDo you feel like you have too much work and a too little week? Does your work sometimes spill into late nights or even weekends? Know that you are not alone and that throughout your career, you will often have to recalibrate your approach to optimize your workload. Obtaining a healthy balance is a very hard thing to obtain.

In one of my previous blog posts, I wrote about different ways to trigger flow state and to enhance productivity in the moment. Triggering the flow state is one thing, but knowing the best times to try to trigger it is probably the most important. Are you most productive in the mornings, after lunch, at the end of the day? It takes some self-awareness along with trial and error to figure this out, but it is important that you do.

This post provides three simple tips to organize your calendar around those flow state moments so that you can get the most out of your workweek.

Tip 1 – Block off Time on Your Calendar to Accomplish Tasks

[Read more…] about 3 Ways to Use Your Calendar to Make the Most Out of Your Workweek

Filed Under: Blog, Organization/Productivity/Time Management Tagged With: Block off Time, Calendar, personal life, Workweek

TGEP 52: Designing Engineered Solutions to Optimize Performance

June 16, 2022 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/geotechnicalengineeringpodcast/TGEP052.mp3

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Tensar+In this episode, we talk to Andres F. Peralta, MSCE, MBA, P.E., product manager at Tensar International Corporation, about a newly enhanced, free, web-based software called Tensar+, which allows engineers, contractors, and owners to design engineered solutions for a variety of applications.

Engineering Quotes:

Tensar+

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Andres:

  • What is Tensar+ and how was it developed?
  • What makes Tensar+ different from other civil engineering design software out there?
  • What kind of feedback have you gotten from engineers about the software?
  • What is the future of Tensar+ and how can it benefit engineers and engineering firms?
  • What final piece of advice would you like to give to our young engineers out there when dealing with uncertainty in their careers?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Designing Engineered Solutions:
[Read more…] about TGEP 52: Designing Engineered Solutions to Optimize Performance

Filed Under: TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast Tagged With: Andres F. Peralta, Engineered Solutions, Tensar+

Hiring for Skills Becoming Popular Tactic for Engineering Firms

June 15, 2022 By EMI

This is a guest post by Zane Pucylowski , P.E.

Hiring for SkillsMost people think that one of the first things all managers look at when hiring employees is their level of education. This line of thinking is becoming outdated. Employers are often seeking employees who have the skills for the job over education. Having a degree in the field is not the only key factor any longer. An employee with job skills and hands-on training is often more in demand than a person who only has a degree in the field.

Many times, a person having the right set of skills is more beneficial for the business than only having a degree. Teachers and parents have been preaching to students for decades the importance of getting a degree. That way of thinking has shifted in recent years. Well-known CEOs like Elon Musk and Jeff Weiner have gone on record many times saying companies need to pay more attention to skill sets than degrees.

A New Way of Thinking

[Read more…] about Hiring for Skills Becoming Popular Tactic for Engineering Firms

Filed Under: Blog, Job Search/Salary/Relocation Tagged With: acquiring skills, Engineering Firms, hiring, trade skills, Zane Pucylowski

TEQC 008: The Relationship Between Architecture and Engineering

June 14, 2022 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/teqcp/TEQC008.mp3

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Architecture and EngineeringIn this episode of The Engineering Quality Control podcast, we talk to Karen Burlingame, AIA, LEED AP, Principal at Grimm + Parker Architects, about quality control and how architecture and engineering interact and influence each other.

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Karen:

  • What types of systems or standards have you established for quality control?
  • What technology are you using across your team to assist with quality control?
  • What are some of the things you do when you hire new staff to incorporate them into your quality control process?
  • What are some of the keys to your and your firm’s success?
  • What advice do you have for our listeners out there who are thinking of starting a career similar to yours?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About The Relationship Between Architecture and Engineering:

[Read more…] about TEQC 008: The Relationship Between Architecture and Engineering

Filed Under: TEQC - The Engineering Quality Control Podcast Tagged With: Architecture and Engineering, hire new staff, Karen Burlingame, quality control, quality control process

The Art of Asking Fearless Questions as an Engineer

June 13, 2022 By EMI

This is a guest blog by Pamela A. Scott

For quite some time, I’ve been harping on the need to ask good questions. Regardless of where you are in your engineering career, I am confident that you would benefit from amping up your questioning skills. To do that, keep reading.

Many of us think we’re asking questions when what we’re really doing is recommending how to solve a problem. I learned that from 15 years in Vistage, an organization that provides coaching and peer advisers for CEOs.

The Vistage questioning process went like this. James, CEO of a medium-sized engineering firm, shared his problem with his Vistage group.

Questioning or Recommending?

“I’m stuck on what to do with a couple of employees who seem to be showing up just so they can collect a paycheck. Their poor attitude and laziness is impacting other employees. I’d get rid of them, but I can’t find someone to replace them. I don’t know what to do.”

At that point, the other members in the group asked questions to help James with his problem. What typically happened was  those members didn’t ask questions; they made recommendations disguised as questions.

  • “Have you thought about . . .”
  • “What if you . . .”
  • “Have you tried . . .”

Instead of those, ask

  • What options are you considering?
  • Who do you know who could help with this situation?
  • What outcome do you want?

Challenge Yourself to Ask Fearless Questions

Recently I listened to a session with two experts on asking questions. Leadership gurus Hal Gregersen from MIT and Amy Edmondson from Harvard offered great insights on the power of questions. I’d like to share a few with you.

Be Curious

“Curiosity leads to the desire to know and learn more, which leads to more creative solutions and better operating results,” according to the Center for Compassionate Leadership.

When you’re curious, your mind is active. Your brain seeks answers for why something is or what something is. Your world expands as you explore what you don’t know. It’s fun.

As Amy Edmonson said, “We’re rolling up our sleeves and learning together.” We’re on a quest.

“In the word ‘question,’ there is a beautiful word — quest. I love that word. We are all partners in a quest.” –Elie Wiesel, Nobel laureate and Holocaust survivor

Want to work on your curiosity? Check out this source.

Be a ‘Don’t Knower’

Young engineering professionals often get mired in the belief that they have to know everything. They should embrace this attitude from Eileen Fisher, entrepreneur and clothing designer:

“I’ve always been a ‘don’t knower’,” she said. “I’ve always been very comfortable saying, ‘I don’t know.’ As a result, there’s a sense of openness. When you don’t know and you’re really listening intently, people want to help you. They want to share.”

Be Fearless

In his book “Questions Are the Answer,” Hal Gregersen encourages us to ask fearless questions that challenge us. Be willing to be wrong, to confront what makes you uncomfortable.

Great questions break down assumptions, Gregersen writes. And great questions also excite and engage us.

For more on asking great and fearless questions, check out these links:

  • How to Ask Effective Questions
  • What Are Good Questions to Ask

About the Author Pamela A. Scott

Fearless QuestionsPam is an executive coach to CEOs and business owners, focusing on communication, managing people, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Her tagline says it best: “Numbers may drive the business, but people drive the numbers.”®

Pam started her company more than 20 years ago. For much of that time, Pam has coached engineers and architects to be leaders in their companies.

She brings more than 25 years of communications expertise and leadership experience as:

  • A national award-winning newspaper editor
  • A communications specialist writing for Congress
  • A successful entrepreneur specializing in coaching clients to reach their full potential

Clients have ranged from solo practitioners to companies such as Turner Broadcasting System, Coca Cola, Federal Reserve Bank, and engineering firms such as Walter P. Moore. For 15 years, Pam was a member of Vistage, an international organization of CEOs.

Pam has a master’s in education and human development from George Washington University and a bachelor’s in communication from Bethany College. In Toastmasters, she has achieved Advanced Communicator Bronze and Advanced Leadership Bronze levels.

We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you might share on asking fearless questions as an engineer. 

Please leave your comments, feedback or questions in the section below.

  • If you enjoyed this post, please consider downloading our free list of 33 Productivity Routines of Top Engineering Executives. Click the button below to download.

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To your success,

Anthony Fasano, PE, LEED AP
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

Filed Under: Blog, Career Goals and Challenges Tagged With: asking questions, Fearless, Fearless Questions, Pamela A. Scott

TSEC 79: Structural Changes to the 2021 International Building Code

June 9, 2022 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thestructuralengineeringpodcast/TSEC079.mp3

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International Building CodeIn this episode, we talk to Sandra Hyde and John “Buddy” Showalter about the significant structural changes to the 2021 International Building Code and how they will affect structural engineers. They also talk about mass timber buildings and how they compare to concrete and steel buildings.

Engineering Quotes:

International Building Code

International Building Code

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Sandra and Buddy:

  • What is mass timber and how tall can a mass timber building be built?
  • What are the main fire safety requirements for this type of construction?
  • Can you describe the research that went into the development of these new code provisions?
  • What are some of the significant load changes to the 2021 IBC?
  • What are the changes to structural observation and special inspection, and how will these changes affect structural engineers?
  • How do mass timber buildings compare to concrete and steel buildings?
  • What are the changes to concrete, steel, masonry, and wood requirements?
  • Do you have any final advice for young engineers starting in their careers?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the 2021 International Building Code:

[Read more…] about TSEC 79: Structural Changes to the 2021 International Building Code

Filed Under: TSEC-The Structural Engineering Channel Tagged With: concrete, international building code, masonry, Mass Timber, steel, steel buildings

TCEP 212: How Climate Adaptation and Resilience Connect to Civil Engineering Projects

June 8, 2022 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/civilengineeringpodcast/TCEP212.mp3

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Climate Adaptation and ResilienceIn this episode of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I talk to Emory Lee, AICP, ENV SP, MCIP-I, WEDG, Climate Adaptation & Resilience Lead for Ramboll Group A/S in New York about climate adaptation and resilience in engineering and some of the potential jobs or roles there are within climate adaptation.

Engineering Quotes:

Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Emory:

  • What is climate adaptation and resilience?
  • How do climate adaptation and resilience connect to civil engineering projects?
  • Are there specific projects that more commonly require your expertise?
  • What are some of the key points that civil engineers should know about climate adaptation and resilient infrastructure?
  • What potential jobs or roles are there within climate adaptation?
  • What final piece of advice can you provide to engineers looking to transition into a career similar to yours?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Climate Adaptation and Resilience:

[Read more…] about TCEP 212: How Climate Adaptation and Resilience Connect to Civil Engineering Projects

Filed Under: Infrastructure, TCEP-The Civil Engineering Podcast Tagged With: Civil Engineering Projects, Climate Adaptation, Emory Lee, resilience

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