Engineering Management Institute

UPCOMING TRAINING

TCEP-The Civil Engineering Podcast

TCEP 144: How the Coronavirus Crisis Will Change Commercial Construction in the U.S.

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commercial constructionIn episode 144 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I talk to Jennifer Goodman, writer and editor at Construction Dive, about how the coronavirus crisis has changed commercial construction and what the general outlook will be for the rest of the year and beyond.

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Jennifer Goodman of Construction Dive:

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TCEP 143: COVID-19: Mitigating Impacts on Construction Projects

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construction projectsIn this episode, I talk to Will Buckby LLB MCIHT, a Contracts and Projects Lawyer at Beale & Co. Will discusses the impact COVID-19 is going to have on the construction markets and projects, what relief is available out there for contractors and consultants, and what notices they should be giving to their employees.

Disclaimer: Please note, the information is this podcast episode and all associated documentation is not legal advice and should NOT be taken as such.  Consult with your own attorney for legal advice related to your projects.  EMI is NOT a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Will Buckby:

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TCEP 142: Cybersecurity Tips for Civil Engineers Working Remotely During COVID-19

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cybersecurityIn this episode, I talk to Jonathan Hard, CEO and President of H2L Solutions, Inc. (H2L). H2L specializes in cyber and information assurance and provides cybersecurity solutions for government and commercial customers. Jonathan talks about cybersecurity, both what individual engineers can do to protect themselves in the world of homeworking and what engineering companies need to consider, and why the company should be working with the United States government.

Engineering Quotes:

Cybersecurity

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Jonathan Hard:

  • What are some of the key cybersecurity things that homeworkers should be thinking about?
  • Are there any other actions that an individual may want to be thinking about to strengthen their home cybersecurity systems beyond a VPN?
  • Are there things that company managers need to be thinking about with regard to additional items or activities to make sure that their staff is up to scratch with cybersecurity?
  • Can you explain what the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program is?
  • As we look to the future, where do you see the IT industry going with regard to homeworking, businesses, and what you think the new normal is going to look like?
  • How can people get connected with you and learn more about what you and your company are doing?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Cybersecurity:

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TCEP 141: Tips for Civil Engineers on Crisis Management and Becoming Confident Leaders

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Crisis Management

In this episode, I talk with Andy Platz, PE, who is the CEO and President at Mead & Hunt. Andy talks about his career journey of how he went from being a fresh graduate to a CEO of a company. He provides some great crisis management tips to civil engineers and also gives very actionable advice to civil engineers aspiring to become leaders in the field. Andy also talks about how he and other leaders at Mead & Hunt are leading their firm through this COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Engineering Quotes:

Crisis Management

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Andy:

  • Can you please tell us about your career progression as a civil engineer?
  • As a leader of a civil engineering company, how do you manage crisis management at your firm?
  • How has your staff responded to this time?
  • How does one be prepared for something like this pandemic?
  • Was being the CEO a career goal that you had early on in your career?
  • Are there any skills and characteristics that you find in a lot of civil engineering leaders that allow them to be in leadership roles?
  • What is your philosophy on social media and how an engineer and engineering firm should utilize it?
  • How do you think being an ESOP (or having employee owners) impacts the culture of a company?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Crisis Management and Becoming Confident Leaders:

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TCEP 140: A Near Death Experience, the COVID-19 Coronavirus, and How Civil Engineers Can Help Reduce the Spread of Pandemics

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Coronavirus

In this episode, we focus on a topic that is on everyone’s minds — the coronavirus and how it should be a wake-up call to civil engineers. And we’re discussing this with Michael Paddock, PE, PS, a licensed civil engineer and surveyor. Twenty years ago, Mike was told he had three to six months to live and since then, through Engineers Without Borders (EWB), he’s helped to grow communities around the world. He also talks about his work managing mega civil engineering projects, and the one thing you must be able to handle to do so.

Engineering Quotes:

Coronavirus

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Michael:

  • Can you tell us about how you went from civil engineering to dedicating your time to Engineers Without Borders?
  • How old were you when you got the news about your stage 4 cancer?
  • When you get this news from the doctor, how did you proceed over the coming months?
  • You recently wrote an article for ASCE entitled, “Coronavirus a Wake-Up Call for Civil Engineers.” Can you tell us about the article?
  • How did you find out about EWB and what moved you towards them?
  • EWB is a membership organization. Could you please explain to us how it works?
  • Did finding out that you had cancer change your life philosophy?
  • What is it like to manage mega-projects?
  • What are some of the skills needed to be able to work on mega-projects?
  • In terms of getting good at managing mega-projects, is on the job experience the main way to get good?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Coronavirus and How We as Civil Engineers Can Make an Impact

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TCEP 139: What Goes Into Developing the ASCE Report Card for America’s Infrastructure?

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ASCE Report Card

In this episode, which is part of our Women in Civil Engineering series, I talk to Peyton Gibson, EIT, ENV SP, a civil engineer who works for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on the Board of Infrastructure and the Constructed Environment. She also serves as the ASCE Colorado’s Infrastructure Report Card Chair, and that’s what we focus on in this episode: what goes into developing the ASCE Infrastructure report card, both at the national and state levels.

Engineering Quotes:

ASCE Report Card

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Peyton:

  • What led you to make your recent career change?
  • What is the report card and what is its intent?
  • Can you take us through the process of how ASCE came up with the final grading in the report card?
  • With the amount of work, staff, and volunteers that are involved in compiling the report, how did you work through the process of managing all the different chapters?
  • What do you think motivated the volunteers?
  • What happens once you receive that grade and how can it be utilized to improve infrastructure?
  • How do you have the funding and the resources for the marketing that needs to be done once the problem areas have been identified?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Developing the ASCE Report Card:

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TCEP 138: Pipeline Infrastructure – Emerging Renewal Technologies for Pressurized Pipelines

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Pressurized PipelinesIn this episode, I talk to Steve Soldati, P.E., the Regional Sales Manager at Aegion Corporation. Steve was previously seen on episode 74 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, where he discussed effective communication strategies. In today’s episode, he will discuss emerging renewal technologies for pressurized pipelines, which can be very applicable to today’s world of crumbling infrastructure.

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Steve:

  • Can you tell us about some of the career transitions you’ve had since we spoke with you last time on the podcast?
  • What is a pressurized pipeline?
  • In terms of the pressurized pipe systems, what is the landscape of the nation’s existing pressurized pipeline infrastructure?
  • What is the risk associated with this aging infrastructure?
  • From an engineering perspective, what are the challenges in trying to address this aging infrastructure of pressurized pipelines?
  • While there are risks involved, what are some things that can be done for renewing and rehabilitating this infrastructure?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Emerging Renewal Technologies for Pressurized Pipelines:

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TCEP 137: The Role of Project Management in Consulting Engineering

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Consulting EngineeringIn this episode, I talk to Ann Tomalavage, PE, PMP, LEED AP, a licensed professional engineer who has spent the last 20+ years training engineering professionals on how to become great project managers. Ann talks about some of the key points to becoming a successful project manager, and she also discusses the role of project management in consulting engineering.

Engineering Quotes:

Consulting Engineering

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Ann Tomalavage:

  • How did you get into project management training and how did you become so interested and passionate about the topic of project management?
  • What differences could an engineer expect when transitioning from a project engineer to a project manager role?
  • What made you decide to start a project management training course?
  • You recently talked at an ACEC event on project management; could you tell us about it and the feedback that you received from the audience?
  • What would you say is one of the biggest challenges for engineers in terms of making the transition to project management?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About The Role of Project Management in Consulting Engineering:

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TCEP 136: How to Network Effectively as a Civil Engineer — Even as an Introvert

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Network EffectivelyIn episode 136 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I am going to give you three actions that you can use to network effectively and build relationships. These networking tips will help you improve your relationship-building skills and give your civil engineering career a jumpstart, whether you are an introvert or an extrovert.

Network Effectively

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Networking:

  • According to the dictionary, the word “introvert” refers to a shy person. Many engineers are labeled as introverts because they are analytical, technical, and deal with details.
  • As engineers progress in their careers, their managers often expect them to build relationships and bring in new business to the firm. When you can’t do that, it can become a barrier to advancement in your career.
  • Networking should be thought of as building relationships. If you take on that mindset, it will be easier to become a successful networker and excel in your career.

Here Are Three Specifics Actions You Can Take to Network Effectively:

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TCEP 135: Effective Communication Is Key With People at All Levels in Civil Engineering

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In this episode of The Civil Engineering Podcast, our tenth episode in our Women in Civil Engineering series, I talk to Disa Wahlstrand, PE, LEED AP, who is a vice president of municipal services and water resources operations for Ayres in Wisconsin. We will be talking about engineering in STEM, big picture mindsets, and why communication is key in multidisciplinary teams.

Engineering Quotes:

Communication Is Key

Communication Is Key

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Disa:

  • How can we influence the attitudes of students, especially females, about engineering and STEM in general?
  • Why do you enjoy doing campus planning?
  • Can you talk to us about your experience being a vice president in a mid-sized company?
  • What can you share with civil engineers out there about transitioning into their careers?
  • Why would you say communication is key for civil engineers?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Why Effective Communication Is Key for Civil Engineers:

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