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Being a Good Communicator Isn’t as Hard as You Think

December 21, 2020 By EMI

This is a guest blog by Jeff Perry, MBA

Good Communicator“Engineers don’t have good communication skills.” I hear this all the time, and it is a myth. While it may be true for some engineers, we cannot put it out as a blanket truth that applies to all of them. And most importantly, if someone is not a great communicator now, they can develop those skills, just like anyone else. Often this myth pairs itself with the expectation that most engineers are introverts, which some people think leads to bad communication.

The truth is, both introverts and extroverts can be fantastic communicators, as these skills can be learned and developed over time. The natural behavioral types of introvert vs extrovert have nothing to do with actual ability to communicate, but rather identify how people gain energy from interpersonal interaction (and where they exist on the spectrum). Humans are naturally social beings, and we feel purpose as we develop connections with others. Thus, developing an array of communication skills is necessary for everyone to be happy and healthy.

To assist, I’d love to share some ideas and activities to help you level-up your communication skills:

Practice Listening

Developing communication skills is a broad idea that covers a lot of ground. To start, engineers can develop their own communication abilities by focusing on the skill of listening. I love this quote by Stephen R. Covey:

[Read more…] about Being a Good Communicator Isn’t as Hard as You Think

Filed Under: Blog, Communication/Public Speaking Tagged With: Adjust Your Mindset, bad communication, clarity and collaboration, communication abilities, develop the skills, effectively communicate with others, engineering communication, engineers are introverts, good communication skills, Good Communicator, great communicator, level-up your communication skills, Practice Listening, seeking to understand, simple analogies, Simplify Communication, skills can be learned

TGEP 13: Dynamic Compaction: Insight From a Geotechnical Engineer

December 17, 2020 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/geotechnicalengineeringpodcast/TGEP013.mp3

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Dynamic CompactionIn this episode, we talk to Chris Woods, a geotechnical engineer with over 20 years of project-related experience throughout the continental United States, and Vice President for the Virginia-based dynamic compaction specialty contractor, Densification, Inc. about the importance of industry involvement and relationships in construction, transitioning from consultant to a contractor, and the applicability of dynamic compaction.

Engineering Quotes:

Dynamic Compaction

Dynamic Compaction

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Chris Woods:

[Read more…] about TGEP 13: Dynamic Compaction: Insight From a Geotechnical Engineer

Filed Under: TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast Tagged With: broader knowledge base, building relationships, Career Transitions, Chris Woods, compaction tests, consultant to contractor, Densification, Dynamic Compaction, engineering industry, geotechnical engineer, granular soils, Ground Improvement, industry organizations, mine spoils, networking, relationships in construction, Relationships with contractors, uncontrolled fills

TWiCE 15: This Week in Civil Engineering – Artificial Intelligence Detects Flooded Spots

December 17, 2020 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thisweekincivilengineering/TWICE015.mp3

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Artificial Intelligence

In this week’s episode, we provide you with the latest news in the Civil Engineering industry including covering how the researchers at Old Dominion University are working to develop a system that can — on its own, through artificial intelligence — detect spots that have flooded and send alerts to drivers notifying them of problems on their route. We also talk about how Olmsted County (Minnesota), Cenergy, and People’s Energy Cooperative has partnered to turn a contaminated site into new energy, and much more interesting stories.

Breaking News in Civil Engineering:

[Read more…] about TWiCE 15: This Week in Civil Engineering – Artificial Intelligence Detects Flooded Spots

Filed Under: TWiCE Tagged With: Airport safety, artificial intelligence, Biden, California commission, Carbon, Central London Station, Civil Engineering, climate goals, Fairmont State, Farringdon, flood, High School Students, machine learning, Old Dominion University, Solar arrey, Structural engineering

TCEP 159: From Single Mom to Civil Engineer: A Journey to Success

December 16, 2020 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/civilengineeringpodcast/TCEP159.mp3

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single mom to civil engineer

In this episode, I talk to Melody A. Gonzalez, E.I., a civil engineer at Black & Veatch about how she went from an immigrant single mom to civil engineer, and today is living the American dream. She also talks about work-life balance and the importance that mentors play in your civil engineering career.

Engineering Quotes:

single mom to civil engineer

single mom to civil engineer

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Melody:

[Read more…] about TCEP 159: From Single Mom to Civil Engineer: A Journey to Success

Filed Under: TCEP-The Civil Engineering Podcast, Women in Engineering Tagged With: Be confident, Black & Veatch, build your self-confidence, civil engineer, Civil Engineering, find mentors, from a foreign country, have the right mindset, immigrant single mom, Journey to Success, living the American dream, make the correct decisions, prioritize your daily tasks, pursue an engineering career, single mom, single parent, the only woman in the room, Women are capable, work together as a team, work toward a big goal

No Moment Is Too Small for a Sincere Thank You

December 14, 2020 By EMI

No Moment Is Too Small for a Sincere Thank You is a
guest blog by Mike Burns, PE, PgMP, DBIA

thank you

Over the past 12 months, during another painful period of global socio-economic strife, I have thoroughly enjoyed EMI’s support as we’ve discussed AEC industry trends and leadership themes. Last month’s effort, A Sustainable Sales Platform Starts With an Organization’s Values, presented an opportunity to summarize these discussions. This month, as we move into what will certainly be a very trying holiday season for people around the world. I’m taking my cue from the recent Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S.

History reminds us that progress is a messy business, fraught with mistakes and unintended human consequences. The work we do, delivering infrastructure improvements for our communities, reminds us that our complex world doesn’t always lend itself to simple solutions. Respecting that current events affect us differently and that our support systems vary widely, I encourage you to celebrate incremental success. Never forget that no moment is too small for a sincere thank you, establishing cultural norms that allow collaboration to thrive.

thank you

[Read more…] about No Moment Is Too Small for a Sincere Thank You

Filed Under: Blog, Enlightenment Tagged With: AEC industry trends, allow collaboration to thrive, celebrate incremental success, delivering infrastructure improvements, establishing cultural norms, global socio-economic strife, History reminds us, human consequences, leadership themes, Mike Burns, reflect on your companions, sincere thank you

TWiCE 14: This Week in Civil Engineering – Robotic Driven Inspections of Critical Infrastructure

December 10, 2020 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thisweekincivilengineering/TWICE014.mp3

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Critical Infrastructure

Welcome to This Week in Civil Engineering (TWiCE), the first weekly audio and video podcast covering weekly news stories and events related to civil engineering and its sub-disciplines. In this week’s episode, we provide you with the latest news in the Civil Engineering industry including covering how the inspection Robot market has the potential to grow to 3.72 billion dollars between 2020 and 2024, bolstered by industries spanning energy, oil and gas, and mining. Also featured is how Percepto pivots from drone-based products to general robotics-driven inspections incorporating third-party platforms like Boston Dynamics’ Spot for the critical infrastructure .

Breaking News in Civil Engineering:

[Read more…] about TWiCE 14: This Week in Civil Engineering – Robotic Driven Inspections of Critical Infrastructure

Filed Under: TWiCE Tagged With: Boston, carbon dioxide, civil engineer, Critical Infrastructure, Europe, FHWA, Georgetown, highway, infrastructure, Mexico, Minnesota, oil pipeline, Percepto, robotics, Smart Road, TWiCE, water infrastructure

TSEC 40: Tips on Preparing for the SE Exam (From a Recent SE Examinee)

December 10, 2020 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thestructuralengineeringpodcast/TSEC040.mp3

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Preparing for the SE ExamIn this episode, I interview my co-host Mat Picardal, who recently took the SE Exam. He talks about his experience taking and preparing for the SE Exam, what the exam is, why it’s so difficult, and the benefits of earning a SE licensure.

Engineering Quotes:

Preparing for the SE Exam

Preparing for the SE Exam

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Mat:

[Read more…] about TSEC 40: Tips on Preparing for the SE Exam (From a Recent SE Examinee)

Filed Under: TSEC-The Structural Engineering Channel Tagged With: advanced license, bridge design, future investment in your career, lateral and gravity, list of resources, long-term career goals, Mat Picardal, Mathew Picardal, Mathew Picardal P.E., MCSEASE study guide, PE license, Preparing for the SE Exam, SE Examinee, SE licensed structural engineer, self-studying, solving many problems, Structural engineering, taking a course, The SE exam

Leadership Skills You Can Develop Now

December 7, 2020 By EMI

This is a guest blog by Pamela A. Scott

Leadership Skills

Are you doing what it takes to earn a leadership role at your firm?

A few years ago, I was working with a team of senior project managers (PM). The training program was “From PMs to Business Leaders.” In our first session, I asked them to list the job requirements for a PM and for a business leader. The list for the PMs was quite long. The list for a business leader had just a couple bullets on it.

One PM looked at the lists and said, “If our executive team members were killed in an accident, we wouldn’t even know how to turn off the lights.” Bingo!

How equipped are you to take on a leadership role at your firm? Below are three critical capabilities necessary to become a leader.

1) Network With Intention

[Read more…] about Leadership Skills You Can Develop Now

Filed Under: Blog, Leadership/Management Tagged With: become a leader, Build self-confidence, building relationships, business leader, critical capabilities, Critical thinking skills, earn a leadership role, executive team, From PMs to Business Leaders, introduce yourself to strangers, leadership skills, networking, Pamela A. Scott, reach leadership status, Show Initiative, take on a leadership role

TWiCE 13: This Week in Civil Engineering – Alternative Materials Could Reduce Carbon Footprint

December 3, 2020 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thisweekincivilengineering/TWICE013.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Carbon Footprint

Welcome to This Week in Civil Engineering (TWiCE), the first weekly audio and video podcast covering weekly news stories and events related to civil engineering and its sub-disciplines. In this week’s episode, we provide you with the latest news in the Civil Engineering industry including covering how manufacturers are tackling concrete’s carbon footprint problems by reformulating cement with similar-behaving materials that inherently generate less carbon dioxide than the ones used in traditional manufacturing methods.

Breaking News in Civil Engineering:

[Read more…] about TWiCE 13: This Week in Civil Engineering – Alternative Materials Could Reduce Carbon Footprint

Filed Under: TWiCE Tagged With: Amtrak, carbon dioxide, Carbon footprint, Charleston, Civil Engineers, Climate Pledge Arena Redevelopment, Cog, concrete, Deck scraper, engineers, England, infrastructure, Key Arena, Little Cottonwood Canyon Traffic, repairs, resiliency, storms, TWiCE, Utah Department Of Transportation

TGEP 12: What Geotechnical Engineers Should Know About Static and Seismic Liquefaction

December 3, 2020 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/geotechnicalengineeringpodcast/TGEP012.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

LiquefactionIn this episode, we talk to Scott M. Olson, Ph.D., P.E., Professor of Geotechnical/Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, about his career journey and about static and seismic liquefaction. He also provides some of the latest updates about the residual strength of liquefied soils.

Engineering Quotes:

Liquefaction

Liquefaction

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Scott:

[Read more…] about TGEP 12: What Geotechnical Engineers Should Know About Static and Seismic Liquefaction

Filed Under: TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast Tagged With: clay silts, Earthquakes, geotechnical engineers, getting a Ph.D., how sands behave, intermediate soils, international students, low- or non-plasticity silts, residual strength of liquefied soils, sandy silts, Scott M. Olson, Seismic Liquefaction, soil liquefaction, Static and Seismic Liquefaction, Static Liquefaction, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

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