• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Engineering Management Institute

  • About
    • Meet Anthony Fasano, P.E.
    • EMI’s Mission, Vision & Values
    • Meet Team EMI
  • Content
    • Blog
    • Podcasts
      • The Engineering Career Coach Podcast
      • The Civil Engineering Podcast
        • Women in Civil Engineering
        • Civil Engineering Entrepreneurs
        • The Civil Engineering CEO Podcast
      • The Structural Engineering Channel
      • The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast
      • The Engineering Quality Control Podcast
      • The Engineering Project Management Podcast
      • AEC Engineering and Technology Podcast
      • This Week in Civil Engineering
    • TV
    • Videos
    • Books
    • Recommended Reading
    • Sponsors
  • Services
    • Training
    • Hiring Solutions
  • FE-PE Exams
  • Clients
  • Contact
  • Training

  • About
    • Meet Anthony Fasano, P.E.
    • EMI’s Mission, Vision & Values
    • Meet Team EMI
  • Content
    • Blog
    • Podcasts
      • The Engineering Career Coach Podcast
      • The Civil Engineering Podcast
        • Women in Civil Engineering
        • Civil Engineering Entrepreneurs
        • The Civil Engineering CEO Podcast
      • The Structural Engineering Channel
      • The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast
      • The Engineering Quality Control Podcast
      • The Engineering Project Management Podcast
      • AEC Engineering and Technology Podcast
      • This Week in Civil Engineering
    • TV
    • Videos
    • Books
    • Recommended Reading
    • Sponsors
  • Services
    • Training
    • Hiring Solutions
  • FE-PE Exams
  • Clients
  • Contact
  • Training

Confidence

Breaking Down Impostor Syndrome for Ambitious Engineers

February 7, 2022 By EMI

This is a guest post by Jeff Perry, MBA

Impostor Syndrome

“It’s not what you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you are not.” ~ Denis Waitley 

Impostor syndrome is a common struggle. We all have it — at least to some degree. And those who don’t think they have it at all are probably just too prideful to recognize or admit it. 

It’s this feeling like we don’t belong. Even when we’re doing good work, there is this lingering fear that perhaps one day someone with a clipboard is going to come up to us and say, “I’m sorry, it appears we’ve made a mistake — you need to go now.” 

But how do we manage it so it doesn’t keep us down, hold us back, and limit our success? Let’s talk about that! 

Name It to Tame It: An Example 

[Read more…] about Breaking Down Impostor Syndrome for Ambitious Engineers

Filed Under: Blog, Personal Development and Professionalism Tagged With: acknowledging something that we don't like, Ambitious Engineers, Breaking Down Impostor Syndrome, Confidence, experiencing failure, expressing doubts, fears, help others succeed, I don’t belong here, Impostor Syndrome, insecurities, Jeff Perry, limit our success, Objective Evidence, Serving Others, you do belong

3 Essential Skills for Engineers to Become Proficient at Selling

December 6, 2021 By EMI

 

This is a guest post by Tiffani Teachey

Become Proficient at SellingMany engineers are incredibly smart, skilled people who can figure out how things work and fix them when they break down. A well-spoken engineer can sell their products or services like nobody’s business. It doesn’t matter if they are pitching an idea or defending the work they’ve done on behalf of their company in front of clients and investors. Unfortunately, not all engineers know how to sell themselves or their ideas well enough for them to succeed in business today. I want to help change that with these three essential sales skills engineers should have if they want their product/idea/service bought by consumers today and to become proficient at selling. 

[Read more…] about 3 Essential Skills for Engineers to Become Proficient at Selling

Filed Under: Blog, Personal Development and Professionalism Tagged With: Become Proficient at Selling, communication, Confidence, Effective Communication, engineers, marketing, quality control, speaking to potential customers, Tiffani Teachey, well-spoken engineer

Don’t Fall off Mt. Stupid

November 23, 2021 By EMI

This is a guest post by Jacob Valentien, PE 

Don’t Fall off Mt. Stupid

In my previous article, I spent some time writing about the four major components for optimizing your career development. I wanted this article to focus on the Experience and Continual Learning components. Have you ever heard of the Dunning-Kruger effect? Well, don’t feel bad, most folks have never heard of it, although I am willing to guess that if you have been in this industry for any time at all, you have experienced multiple points along the curve. The Dunning-Kruger effect is best summarized via a graph (see Figure 1) that maps the relationship between confidence and expertise.

[Read more…] about Don’t Fall off Mt. Stupid

Filed Under: Civil Engineering Tagged With: avoid falling off the cliff, Build Confidence, Confidence, Continual learning, continual learning efforts, Dunning-Kruger effect, Expertise, Jacob W. Valentien, Learning Curve, Mt. Stupid, optimizing your career, our experience level, professional organizational involvement, try to stay aware, young engineer’s career

Confidence = Decisiveness + Commitment + Resourcefulness

February 22, 2021 By EMI

This is a guest blog by Jen Bunk, Ph.D.

ConfidenceIn my last article, I talked about calling forth your confidence. We all have confidence — it’s simply hard to find it sometimes. Especially amidst the chaos, negativity, scarcity, and all of the other problems that we face on a daily basis.

But that’s the whole game, isn’t it?

To be able to shine with confidence despite massive challenges!

That’s how you win as a technical leader.

That’s how you win at the game of life.

[Read more…] about Confidence = Decisiveness + Commitment + Resourcefulness

Filed Under: Blog, Personal Development and Professionalism Tagged With: COMMIT, commitment, Confidence, creative resources, Decisiveness, formula for Confidence, get resourceful, Jen Bunk, negativity in the news, Resourcefulness, shine with confidence, taking the necessary actions, win as a technical leader, win at the game of life, You have to DECIDE

TCEP 146: What Does Hostage Negotiation Have to Do With Consulting Engineers?

June 17, 2020 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/civilengineeringpodcast/TCEP146.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Hostage Negotiation

In this episode of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I talk to Dan Oblinger about hostage negotiation. Dan explains how hostage negotiation fits into consulting engineering and also provides five specific ways that engineering firms should look at to evaluate their negotiation and communication abilities.

Engineering Quotes:

Hostage Negotiation

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Dan:

  • With the current situation in the United States, is it a challenge for you to go to work every day?
  • Can you talk to us about how you got into consulting with engineers and how you went to some AE companies and pitched the idea of negotiation to them?
  • What should civil engineering consultants look for to evaluate their negotiation and communication abilities?
  • Do you have a framework in your day-to-day hostage negotiations?
  • Are there specific strategies that you use in your negotiations?
  • Is there a challenging situation that you dealt with that you are open to sharing with our listeners?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Negotiation Culture in Your Civil Engineering Practice:

[Read more…] about TCEP 146: What Does Hostage Negotiation Have to Do With Consulting Engineers?

Filed Under: Communication & Public Speaking, TCEP-The Civil Engineering Podcast Tagged With: business development, Civil Engineering, communication, Confidence, Consulting Engineers, culture, Hostage Negotiation, master listener, negotiation, negotiation skills, proposal, team effort

Who Knows What You Know? – Your Voice Matters!

May 19, 2020 By EMI

Your Voice Matters is a guest blog by Mike Burns

Voice MattersLast month we discussed Continuous Learning, growing together as teachers and students, deepening our commitment to sustained personal and professional growth. As our COVID-19 response continues to mature, the AEC industry is rapidly advancing new ways of communicating, learning, and delivering projects. As we Zoom from meeting to meeting (cheesy pun intended), it is easy to feel connected without truly connecting. Yet this moment — this critical period of recovery — necessitates sustained empathetic listening in order to empower a diverse and inclusive chorus of critical voices. Infrastructure improvements will be a vital component of our pending economic recovery. We must concurrently fast track “shovel-ready” projects and restructure our capital improvement plans, setting the stage for a wave of critical infrastructure projects. Your voice matters, and is particularly critical today as we make difficult choices, pivoting to and accelerating new solutions. I hope that this embarrassing, yet rewarding story from my career inspires you to assert yourself in this moment for your community and our world.

Voice Matters

[Read more…] about Who Knows What You Know? – Your Voice Matters!

Filed Under: Blog, Communication/Public Speaking Tagged With: AECOM, build relationships, Confidence, empower individuals, geo-political challenges, Infrastructure improvements, Infrastructure projects, leadership team, mega programs, Program Management, seek diversity, team leader, voice matters

Be Wary of the Echo Chamber

February 24, 2020 By EMI

 This is a guest blog by Tim Austin, PE

Echo ChamberA few years ago, I attended a conference sponsored by the Florida Engineering Society. The keynote speaker was retired astronaut Story Musgrave. Story is a powerful speaker, and I tremendously enjoyed the many tales of his unparalleled career. One particular story that he shared struck a chord.    

Story was the astronaut who worked on the Hubble Telescope during Servicing Mission 1 to fit the corrective lens. He shared that, in his preparations, he consulted with the world-renowned figure skater, Dorothy Hamill. Many wondered why an astronaut would consult with a figure skater regarding the repairs to the telescope.  

[Read more…] about Be Wary of the Echo Chamber

Filed Under: Blog, Career Goals and Challenges Tagged With: best financial solution, Confidence, Echo Chamber, Engineering, engineering schools, engineering solution, figure skater, knowledge, listen and learn from others, Listen to learn, perspectives, political solution, progress in our careers, Solve Problems, Story Musgrave

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

January 29, 2020 By EMI

http://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/civilengineeringpodcast/TCEP136.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Network Effectively

In 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:

[Read more…] about TCEP 136: How to Network Effectively as a Civil Engineer — Even as an Introvert

Filed Under: Communication & Public Speaking, TCEP-The Civil Engineering Podcast Tagged With: Building Deeper Relationships, civil engineer, Confidence, Conversation Starters, focusing on the people, identify contacts, introvert, Network Effectively, networking events, public speaking skills, Toastmasters International

TCEP 134: A Young Female Civil Engineering CEO Shares Her Story

January 6, 2020 By EMI

http://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/civilengineeringpodcast/TCEP134.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Civil Engineering CEO

In this episode, I talk with Áine O’Dwyer, PE, Principal and CEO at Enovate Engineering, about various civil engineering career topics including the challenges she faced when working in the construction industry, starting a new firm, and how she achieved success despite these challenges at such a young age to become a civil engineering CEO.

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Áine:

  • What made you interested in civil engineering?
  • What skillsets helped you to get into management at such a young age?
  • How did you rise through the ranks and start your own company?
  • What is it that drives you daily?
  • How did you develop your confidence as a civil engineering CEO?
  • How can civil engineering professionals find opportunities in their careers?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

[Read more…] about TCEP 134: A Young Female Civil Engineering CEO Shares Her Story

Filed Under: Career Goals and Challenges, TCEP-The Civil Engineering Podcast Tagged With: Aine O’Dwyer, Civil Engineering, civil engineering ceo, Confidence, construction industry, Engineering Manager, Female Civil Engineer, honest feedback, internship, knowledge and understanding, management, mentors and managers, opportunities in your career, starting a new firm

TCEP 128: Becoming a Well Rounded Civil Engineering Professional

October 9, 2019 By EMI

http://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/civilengineeringpodcast/TCEP128.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Well Rounded Civil Engineering Professional

In episode 128 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, which is our third episode in our Women in Civil Engineering series, I visit with Michelle Briehof, P.E. who is a project manager at Maser Consulting.

Michelle talks about some of the non-technical aspects and actions you can take as a civil engineering professional to build confidence and equip yourself as a well rounded civil engineering professional. She walks us through her career journey, from the beginning of her career up to where she is now and the experiences that have helped her to attain her position. She also tells us about the Maser Women’s Organization and how it has helped all employees at Maser, men and women, to build confidence and get the necessary exposure needed to become well-rounded engineering professionals.

Engineering Quotes:

Well Rounded Civil Engineering Professional

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Michelle:

  • Tell us more about the Maser Women’s Organization
  • How has the Maser Women’s Organization impacted you?
  • How does being a mother impact your career?
  • Tell us about your involvement in the different disciplines at your firm?
  • Have you found that developing knowledge in different civil engineering disciplines has been helpful in your efforts?
  • How important is it to have confidence as a manager?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Becoming a Well Rounded Civil Engineering Professional:

[Read more…] about TCEP 128: Becoming a Well Rounded Civil Engineering Professional

Filed Under: Leadership/Management, TCEP-The Civil Engineering Podcast Tagged With: civil engineer, Civil Engineering, civil engineering career, client interactions, Confidence, engineering disciplines, Engineering Management, leadership roles, Maser Consulting, Michelle Briehof, P.E, Transportation Engineer, Well Rounded Civil Engineering Professional, Women in engineering, women leaders in engineering

Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

And Get Custom Content Delivered To You Weekly

PM Training

engineering management lessons

career readiness

Categories

  • AECT – AEC Engineering and Technology Podcast
  • Blog
    • Business Development
    • Business/Entrepreneurship
    • Career Goals and Challenges
    • Communication/Public Speaking
    • COVID19
    • Credentials
    • Enlightenment
    • Ethics & Integrity
    • Job Search/Salary/Relocation
    • Leadership/Management
    • Mentoring
    • Networking/Client Relations
    • News and Events
    • Organization/Productivity/Time Management
    • Personal Development and Professionalism
    • Program Management
    • Project Management
    • Travel
    • Work Life Balance
  • Civil Engineering
  • Engineering Career TV
  • Engineering Technology
  • TCEP-The Civil Engineering Podcast
    • Business Development
    • Business/Entrepreneurship
    • Career Goals and Challenges
    • Civil Engineering Entrepreneurs
    • Communication & Public Speaking
    • Credentials
    • Ethics/Integrity
    • Infrastructure
    • Job Search/Salary/Relocation
    • Leadership/Management
    • Mentoring
    • Project Management
    • Women in Engineering
  • TECC Podcast-The Engineering Career Coach Podcast
    • Business/Entrepreneurship
    • Career Game Changers
    • Career Goals and Challenges
    • Communication/Public Speaking
    • Credentials
    • Enlightenment
    • Job Search/Salary/Relocation
    • Leadership/Management
    • Mentoring
    • Networking/Client Relations
    • News and Events
    • Organization/Productivity/Time Management
    • Personal Development and Professionalism
    • Project Management
    • Work Life Balance
  • TEPM – The Engineering Project Management Podcast
  • TEQC – The Engineering Quality Control Podcast
  • TGEP – The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast
    • Tunneling Series
  • TSEC-The Structural Engineering Channel
  • TWiCE
  • Uncategorized
  • Women in Engineering

TECC Sidebar Featured Final

ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE

We Can Help You:

  • Build solutions to attract talented professionals.
  • Develop your staff’s people skills.
  • Create career roadmaps for your staff.
  • Provide PM training for your professionals.
  • Build custom development programs.
  • Scale sustainably.

Location:

50 E. Ridgewood Avenue #129

Ridgewood NJ, 07450

800-920-4007

Copyright © 2023 • All Rights Reserved • Property of Engineering Management Institute • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy