Engineering Management Institute

Career Goals and Challenges

TCEP 246: Why Civil Engineering Diversity is Essential for a Better Future

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Civil Engineering DiversityIn this episode, I talk with Michele Heyward, EIT, the founder and CEO of PositiveHire, about the current state of civil engineering diversity, the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the industry, and retention strategies for keeping diverse talent in engineering construction.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Civil Engineering Diversity

Civil Engineering Diversity

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Michele:

  • Given the benefits of having a P.E. license, even though it’s not always required in construction, do you also plan to pursue it?
  • How did your journey from coding enthusiast to tech startup CEO begin?
  • How would you assess the current state of diversity in the construction industry?
  • What challenges do underrepresented groups face in the engineering construction industry?
  • How can we retain talent, especially underrepresented groups and women, in the engineering construction industry?
  • What other specific actions can construction management firms take to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry?
  • What is your outlook for increased civil engineering diversity in the coming years, and what trends or initiatives do you see that could lead to a more inclusive future?
  • What advice would you give to young women interested in a career in engineering construction?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Why Civil Engineering Diversity is Essential for a Better Future:

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TCEP 241: From Civil Engineer to HR Manager: How to Make the Switch

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Civil Engineer to HR ManagerIn this episode, I talk with Matthew Alboum, P.E., a regional human resource manager at Dewberry, who made a successful career transition from civil engineer to HR manager, about how he leveraged his engineering background to excel in HR. He also discuss the importance of acknowledging individuality and leveraging strengths for a fulfilling career, and he provides some great advice for engineers considering a career transition to HR.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Civil Engineer to HR Manager

Civil Engineer to HR Manager

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Matthew:

  • Did you pursue the management degree to enter a management role, but were uncertain at that time if it would ultimately lead you to a career in HR?
  • How have you found the skills and experience gained from your engineering background to be useful in your HR work?
  • Could you discuss the challenges you encountered during this transition and how you managed to overcome them?
  • Based on your experience transitioning from a technical field to HR, what advice would you offer to individuals who are considering a similar career change?
  • How have professional societies impacted your career, particularly during your transition into HR, and have you made any changes in the societies you’re involved with as a result?
  • Do you ever miss the engineering or technical field, and in what ways do you still engage with it?
  • What final advice can you offer regarding the transition from being a civil engineer to an HR manager?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Going from Civil Engineer to HR Manager: 

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TCEP 240: Real Tips on Achieving Work-Life Balance in Civil Engineering

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work-life balance in civil engineeringIn this episode, I talk to Douglas Teiger, FAIA, a highly experienced AEC professional with over 40 years in the field, about how civil engineers can achieve a healthier work-life balance and maintain their well-being while navigating the demands of the engineering industry.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Douglas:

  • Could you provide an overview of spiritual psychology for our listeners who may be curious about the subject?
  • In the demanding context of the AE industry, how would you define work-life balance?
  • Can you share your approach to achieving a healthy balance between your professional commitments and personal well-being?
  • How can the establishment of habits, rules, and guidelines for work-life balance, implemented at both individual and organizational levels, contribute to a more balanced and sustainable approach to work?
  • What strategies or approaches would you recommend to working professionals in the AE industry, who face demanding project deadlines and client demands, to maintain a healthy work-life balance?
  • As a mentor in the industry, what strategies, tips, or practices do you emphasize to professionals to cultivate a healthy work-life balance and integrate it into their career development?
  • Can work-life balance and professional success coexist in the engineering industry, despite the misconception that prioritizing personal well-being hinders career advancement?
  • What tools, technologies, and time management techniques would you recommend to engineering professionals to optimize their work processes and create a better work-life balance?
  • What practical steps and mindset shifts can engineers implement to achieve a more fulfilling and sustainable long-term career while striving for a better work-life balance?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Real Tips on Achieving Work-Life Balance in Civil Engineering:

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TCEP 234: Facing the Unexpected: Lessons from a Young Civil Engineer Forced into Retirement

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Forced into RetirementIn this episode, I talk with Joey Porrello, P.E., who shares his experience of being forced into retirement from his engineering career at the age of 29 due to physical limitations, and the legacy that he believes civil engineers should leave behind in their profession.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Forced into Retirement

Forced into Retirement

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Joey:

  • What message do you want to share with civil engineers?
  • How can engineers pursue a passion for helping and mentoring people through various job opportunities?
  • Is there anything you would like to share with the civil engineering community?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Facing the Unexpected: Lessons from a Young Civil Engineer Forced into Retirement:

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TCEP 230: Navigating a Successful Career Transition Within Your Civil Engineering Firm

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Career TransitionIn this episode, I talk to Alexandra Gore, P.E., PMP, a senior project manager and Assistant Vice President at WSP USA, about how she made a career transition within her company, some of the challenges she faced during the transition, and how she overcame them.

***View the video version of this episode here.

Engineering Quotes:

Career Transition

Career Transition

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Alexandra:

  • What made you decide to transition to a different sector within your company?
  • How did you approach that transition in terms of preparing for your new role?
  • Did you have a mentor to help you in this transition?
  • What were some of the challenges you faced during the transition period and how did you overcome those challenges?
  • With leading so many teams, how do you ensure you remain productive and focused on the right things?
  • What tips can you share with the listeners to ensure a smooth transition within their firm?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Navigating a Successful Career Transition Within Your Civil Engineering Firm:

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TCEP 229: How to Navigate Difficult Challenges in Your Engineering Career

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Navigate Difficult ChallengesIn this episode, I talk to Ryan Walter, CPC, P.E., senior civil engineer at Woolpert, and author of the book called “The YOU Project: Your Personal Guide to Self-Mastery at Work,” about a framework that you can use to help navigate your unique challenges at work and survive the difficult seasons of work.

***You can view the video version of this podcast episode on YouTube here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Navigate Difficult Challenges

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Ryan:

  • Why had you decided to write a book?
  • Can you talk about the first part “Embracing YOU”?
  • Why is overcoming relationship challenges, which is the second part of your book, important for engineers, and what steps can help engineers function well with any type of manager?
  • The third part is about reframing your lens. What is that all about?
  • The fourth part of your book is called: “Conquering Overwhelm.” What tips can you give the listeners to help when they are feeling overwhelmed?
  • The last part of your book is called “Remaining Hopeful.” How can engineering professionals remain hopeful in their careers?
  • What final advice can you give civil engineers to grow their careers?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Navigate Difficult Challenges in Your Engineering Career:

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TCEP 227: 2023 Goal Setting Tips for Engineers: Sprints Instead of Marathons

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2023 goal setting In this episode of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I provide you with a three-step framework that you can use to ensure that your teams are more focused in 2023 on impactful and achievable goals.

Engineering Quotes:

2023 goal setting

2023 goal setting

Here Are Your 2023 Goal Setting Tips:

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TCEP 224: Civil Engineering Career Paths: The Options Are Endless

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Civil Engineering Career PathsIn this episode, I talk to Paul Lee, P.E., ENV SP, Energy Policy Analyst at the City of Los Angeles, Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, about a great opportunity that presented itself to him, touch on the different civil engineering career paths and their role in climate change, and discuss some of the challenges they face when working on renewable energy projects.

Engineering Quotes:

Civil Engineering Career Paths

Civil Engineering Career Paths

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Paul:

  • Can you please tell us about yourself and your career paths to date?
  • What made you get interested in policy?
  • What are some of the major challenges civil engineers face when working on renewable energy projects?
  • What is the role of civil engineers in combatting climate change?
  • How did you end up transitioning from a civil engineer associate into a policy-making role?
  • You were chosen for the lead role in the new ASCE film, called “Cities of the Future: Reimagining Our World.” How did you end up being chosen for the movie?
  • What is the movie about and how do you think it can help educate civil engineers on important industry-related changes?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Civil Engineering Career Paths: 

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TCEP 211: How Civil Engineers Can Be Successful on the Job

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Successful on the JobIn this episode of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I answer a few questions that I received from a consulting engineer a few years out of school about how to be successful on the job, get up to speed with design practices, learn codes, gain field practice, and organize resources and knowledge. 

Successful on the Job

Tips to Be Successful on the Job and Learn Quickly in Your First Year:

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TCEP 210: The Civil Engineering Workforce: Challenges and Opportunities

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Civil Engineering WorkforceIn this episode, I talk to Matthew Low, P.E., Senior Vice President at Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc., about challenges and opportunities in the civil engineering workforce, and how engineers can overcome these challenges to excel in their careers.

Engineering Quotes:

Civil Engineering Workforce

Civil Engineering Workforce

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Matthew:

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