Engineering Management Institute

COVID 19

TSEC 25: Yes, I Am an Engineer! But You Don’t Look Like an Engineer!

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In episode 25 of The Structural Engineering Podcast, we talk to Kayley Seawright, an aeromechanics structural analyst. Kayley talks about her career journey and provides some great advice to our listeners on how they should never give up on their dreams no matter how people may perceive them — and especially when people tell them they don’t look like an engineer.

Engineering Quotes:

Look Like an Engineer

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Kayley in This Episode:

  • You were the 2013 student body president at Clemson. You do not often hear of engineers holding that position. Tell us about how you obtained it.
  • EMI originally found you through an article on a website called Vision Balm that talked about how some (or many) people told you that you didn’t look like an engineer. Can you talk about the effect this has had on you and your career?
  • How has saying “yes” to opportunities and finding a way to make opportunities work affected your career as an engineer?
  • COVID-19 has drastically changed our lives and our careers. How has it impacted you and how do you see it impacting your job or career long term?
  • Please tell us about your journey as a Disney Performer.
  • Our listeners are mostly engineers working on structural projects. Can you share any career advice with them that might be helpful in their career journey?

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

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

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construction projects

In 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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COVID-19 and the AEC Industry

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This is a guest blog by BigTime Software, Inc

AEC Industry

Navigating how to operate your business through the COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge. While much is still unknown, and we’re a little over a month in the shelter-in-place order, we were curious to see how professional services firms in the architecture, engineering, and consulting industries are adapting.

What we found is that the AEC industry is depending on the resilience of the U.S economy, and the majority do not plan to consider staff reductions. Business owners seem to be taking on the risk themselves, as they likely view their firm as more than just a business, but a personal investment.

Learn more about the choices AEC firms of various sizes are making regarding the CARES Act, business strategy, recovery plans, and more in the infographic below.

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The Ideal Learning and Development Strategy for You and Your Firm During and After COVID-19

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This is a guest blog by Peter C. Atherton, P.E.

Learning and Development

Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, most leaders agreed that employee recruitment and retention was the #1 issue facing engineering and architecture firms. At the same time, employee growth and development were our talent’s top priority.  What will change moving forward?  

Our first concern at this moment must be safety and survival. Our next concern needs to shift to how we can more effectively attract, develop, and retain the talent that we need to grow and prosper in the “new era” that is accelerating forward.  

The answer to doing so is to develop a formal and strategic employee learning and development program. To get there, we can leverage both proven models and innovative practices.  

Learning and Development

The 70/20/10 Model 

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

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cybersecurity

In 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 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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What Construction Contractors and Owners Should Do, Today, to Prepare for the Possible Effects of Coronavirus on Projects

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This is a guest post written by Diana Parks (partner at Dorsey & Whitney) and  Ross Eberlein (an associate at Dorsey & Whitney) and was previously published here of the Dorsey website.

Coronavirus on Projects

As novel coronavirus has spread from China to Europe, the United States and around the globe, it has begun to have a debilitating impact on world markets, manufacturing, distribution, supply chains, and the workforce in general. It seems only a matter of time before coronavirus directly affects U.S. construction projects. What can we, in the U.S. construction industry, do to prepare for its effects and mitigate the potential harm to our people and our projects?  The ultimate solutions may be complex, but there are some simple, initial steps, that construction contractors and owners should take to assess and bolster their ability to deal with the potential impact of an outbreak.

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