engineers

5 Things We’ve Learned from the Civil Engineering CEO Show

May 16, 2022 By EMI

This is a guest blog by Leanna Michniuk from BigTime Software

Good advice is invaluable. And for engineers, hearing advice from leaders in their industry can provide new ways of thinking and even a boost of confidence and reassurance in their work. BigTime Software recently partnered with the Engineering Management Institute as a founding sponsor of the show, The Civil Engineering CEO show, that features interviews with CEOs of leading civil engineering firms on important industry topics. The goal of the show has been to connect engineers with industry leaders to hear their firsthand advice on important topics. The CEOs who have appeared on the show have done just that by sharing with us how they are approaching some of today’s challenges and opportunities including the talent shortage, the abundance of infrastructure work, the hybrid work environment, and more.

Because there have been so many great words of wisdom and amazing guests on the show, we thought we would share the top five things we’ve learned from The Civil Engineering CEO show so far. Keep on reading to hear some sage advice from pros who have lived it themselves.
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Four Skills Engineers Can Learn From Entrepreneurs

March 14, 2022 By EMI

This is a guest post by Patrick Sweet, P.Eng., MBA, PMP, CSEP

Whether you plan to launch a business or work within an existing organization, approaching the world from an entrepreneur’s perspective can be incredibly valuable for engineers. At their core, both engineers and entrepreneurs are problem-solvers. By approaching the world from the mindset of an entrepreneur, engineers of all disciplines can become stronger in their fields.

Here Are Four Skills That Engineers Would Do Well to Adopt:

1. Entrepreneurs See Opportunity

Entrepreneurs see the world in terms of opportunities. They are able to identify problems and pain points that, if solved, would create incredible value for people. Where many people see problems and are content simply to complain about them, entrepreneurs are able to see a world where that problem is actually solved and take strides to make that world a reality.

3 Ways Engineers Can Build Self-Confidence

March 7, 2022 By EMI

This is a guest post by Tiffani Teachey

Engineers often face challenges that can test their self-confidence. Whether it’s dealing with difficult problems or working with challenging team members, there are plenty of situations that can knock an engineer’s confidence down. However, there are three specific ways engineers can use to build self-confidence and come out on top: learning new skills, seeking feedback, and practicing assertiveness. In this blog post, we’ll explore each of these methods in detail and provide tips on how to put them into practice. By following these tips, you’ll be able to boost your self-confidence and become a more successful engineer.

TECC 269: Diversity in Engineering: Celebrating Black History Month With Ted Colbert

February 28, 2022 By EMI

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In this episode, we talk to Theodore (Ted) Colbert III, Executive Vice President of The Boeing Company and President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Global Services about diversity in engineering, how diversity can benefit an engineering firm, and how engineers can help promote diversity through mentorship. Ted also received the 2022 Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA), on Saturday, February 19th in Washington D.C.

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Diversity in Engineering:

3 Essential Skills for Engineers to Become Proficient at Selling

December 6, 2021 By EMI

This is a guest post by Tiffani Teachey

Many 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.

TSEC 63: Buckling Restrained Braces in Structural Engineering

October 28, 2021 By EMI

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In this episode of The Structural Engineering Podcast, we talk to Maria Eugenia Chumbita, P.E., Vice President of CoreBrace, about the use of buckling restrained braces (BRB) in structural engineering, what they are, how they work, and the process involved in going from the design to the construction phase of projects. Maria also talks about the importance of communication and human connection and how that can improve the productivity of your team.

Engineering Quotes:

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

What are buckling restrained braces are and how do they work?
What are some of the requirements for designing with buckling restrained braces?
Can you please explain the process involved in going from the design to the bidding to the construction phase of projects?
How important do you deem personal development and human connection in the design world?
What are some of the lessons you learned from past projects you’ve worked on?
What piece of final advice can you give young engineering students who are considering a career like yours?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Buckling Restrained Braces:

TCEP 183: The Importance of Geological Engineering in Civil Engineering Projects

September 7, 2021 By EMI

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In this episode of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I talk to Christina Tipp, PG, CEG, a professional geologist, and Jason Island, P.E., QSP/D, a senior civil engineer, both from SHN, about the crossover between geological engineering and civil engineering, and how and when you need to get geological engineers involved in your civil engineering projects.

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Jason and Christina:

What is geological engineering and what do geological engineers do?
Why is it important for engineers to have a good understanding of the different disciplines involved in a civil engineering project?
Tell us about some of the civil engineering projects you have worked on in the past where you needed to get geological engineering involved on the civil engineering project?
How do civil engineers know when to involve a geological engineer in their projects?
Tell us about a civil engineering project that you both have worked on together that had a geological component to it?
What advice can you give engineers considering pursuing a career in geological engineering?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Geological Engineering:

7 Mistakes to Avoid As an Engineering Mentor

July 2, 2021 By EMI

This is a guest blog by Lauren Groff

The mentor/mentee relationship is one that needs to be defined early on to ensure that engineers get what they need out of it. Most of the time it goes great, and everyone is happy. Sometimes though, things go wrong and that’s how relationships get damaged. Because of this, you need to ensure you’re not making the following mistakes as an engineering mentor. Review the mistakes listed below to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Meet Cara Green, EIT – The New Co-Host for the Structural Engineering Channel Podcast

June 7, 2021 By EMI

The Engineering Management Institute recently invited Cara Green, EIT to become one of the The Structural Engineering Channel podcast. The show serves to bring important industry information, including technical and non-technical news, to practicing structural engineers worldwide.

“My number one goal with being the host of the Structural Engineering Channel podcast is to help engineers succeed in their profession, in the way they choose to succeed. The Structural Engineering Channel is a very interesting channel that addresses a lot of topics, and my hope is to continue that message to engineers out there. ” ~ Cara Green, EIT, Structural Engineering Trade Manager, HILTI North America

Cara will host The Structural Engineering Channel alongside Mathew Picardal, P.E. She is the Structural Engineering Trade Manager at Hilti North America. [Read more…] about Meet Cara Green, EIT – The New Co-Host for the Structural Engineering Channel Podcast

Why You Need a Coach

April 26, 2021 By EMI

This is a guest blog by Mickey Addison, MSCE, PMP

I need a coach. Anyone can trudge through a task or lesson on their own, but if I truly want to get better, I’m in need of a coach.

I’ve been an athlete all my life. I started soccer at age 6, baseball at age 8, and I lettered in both football and track in high school. Attending a senior military college and then entering the Air Force afterward meant intramural sports, physical training, and annual physical fitness tests from the age of 18 until my retirement from the service in 2017. Of course, we lead active lives in our house as well: hiking, cycling, CrossFit, surfing. Well, you get the idea. I’m not a couch potato.

The reason for that self-absorbed preamble is to establish that at 55 years, I’m not a novice to physical fitness or the gym — and despite all that experience, I STILL need a coach!

Successful People Are Lifelong Learners

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5 Things We’ve Learned from the Civil Engineering CEO Show

This is a guest blog by Leanna Michniuk from BigTime Software

Four Skills Engineers Can Learn From Entrepreneurs

This is a guest post by Patrick Sweet, P.Eng., MBA, PMP, CSEP