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:

Should Engineers Work From Home More?

October 26, 2021 By EMI

This is a guest post by Dr. Rae Taylor

No, really, I’m asking. I’m on the fence on this one.

I understand there are many jobs that can’t be done from home. One of them being civil engineer. I used to be a microscopist. I can’t imagine even asking for “work from home day”’ in that job. But there are definite aspects of being an engineer that can be done from home. And I would strongly argue that they can be done better that way. Having a day at home once a week, without interruption, to get some planning done, catch up on paperwork, write reports, or design in peace would certainly be useful. On the flip side, what about all the potential interruptions?

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:

I’m Now Allowed to Sit For the Civil FE Exam

August 30, 2021 By EMI

This is a guest post by Dr. Rae Taylor

In 2011, I moved from England to the USA to take a postdoctoral research position at the University of California Berkeley. It was going to be a year full of world-class research, performed at a fantastic university, topped off with backpacking, hiking, biking, and trail running. Other than buying flights, I made pretty much no other preparations. A year later, still going strong in both research and hiking, I renewed my contract and my visa. Then again the next year, and again the one after that.

Fast forward many years, and I have left academia, married an American, live in the state of Washington, and am looking for an engineering job. Many (but not all) of the jobs that I see posted require an EIT. Armed with Google and an unlimited text messaging plan, I start trying to figure out what exactly an EIT is. Despite the strong agreement between my Google results and the boatload of texts from my U.S. engineering friends, I couldn’t believe that people willingly take a six-hour exam on everything they learned during their undergraduate engineering degree. At the time, I thought that seemed super-intense and not something I needed to do right then, so maybe I could put it aside and not think about it.

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.

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