Engineering Management Institute

Holly Welles

5 Ways to Convince Your Team to Implement New Technology

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This is a guest blog by Holly Welles

new technologyAdopting new technology into your workflow can have many benefits. With the right tech, you’ll find that you save money, increase efficiency, and improve performance. Despite these advantages, it can sometimes be challenging to get your team to accept new processes.

If you’re going to move forward with new technology, you’ll need your team’s support. Here are five ways you can help them realize the value of implementing new tech.

1. Keep Your Team’s Needs in Mind

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How to Evaluate New Project Management Technologies

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This is a guest blog by Holly Welles

Project Management TechnologiesTechnology and business today are inseparable. Taking advantage of available software solutions is one of the best ways to stay competitive. If nothing else, tools like project management technologies can make it a little easier to do your job.

More than 90% of organizations use standardized project management, but only 58% fully understand its value. You’ve probably heard that software tools can help you, but you may not know what that looks like. What precisely can these solutions do for you, and how do you find the right one?

project management technologies

Benefits of Project Management Software

The overall goal of project management tools is to streamline administrative tasks. They accomplish this in several different ways. While features vary depending on the software, benefits typically include:

  • More straightforward communication and collaboration
  • Scheduling tools
  • Budget and spending tracking
  • Simplified document management
  • Standardization for work processes
  • A centralized place to do all of this

Project management software has a lot to offer, and there’s no shortage of options, either. This variety means you can find the perfect solution for your needs, but it also means you may have trouble finding the right one. How do you sort through everything to find the best software for the job?

Here Are Five Tips to Help You Evaluate Project Management Technologies:

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What Does Transformational Leadership Mean for Engineers?

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 This is a guest blog by Holly Welles

Transformational LeadershipTransformational leadership is a model of leadership that involves a leader who inspires his or her followers to work together toward a common goal and focus on the greater good. The best transformational leaders can enter a stagnant organization, identify its issues, and begin making improvements almost immediately.

While this type of leadership may come naturally to some people, most must learn how to develop these skills before they can apply them. As future engineers, this means developing yourself, practicing these newly learned skills, and working towards a common goal with an organization in which you’re already involved.

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How to Seek out Mentorship in Construction and Engineering

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This is a guest blog by Holly Welles

Mentorship in ConstructionIn many professions, it’s easy to find a mentor, primarily when you work with those who have years of experience. Unfortunately, this often isn’t the case for construction workers and engineers, as more and more young people enter the field every year. Mentors are a valuable resource for many as they provide insight, guidance, and career opportunities. Here are a few ways you can seek out mentorship in construction and engineering. 

Mentorship in Construction

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How to Sell Your Engineering Clients on Sustainable Initiatives

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This is a guest blog by Holly Welles

sustainable buildingAs an engineer, you’ll meet tons of clients who all feel differently about sustainability. Some will be for it, while others may need a little persuading. Luckily, getting others on board doesn’t have to be hard. The benefits of green buildings are abundant and can appeal to even the staunchest refusals.  You simply need to know how to sell your case. If you don’t know which selling points to hit, you’ve come to the right place. Discover six ways to win over clients with facts about sustainable building. 

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5 Crucial Client Communication Skills for Engineering Project Managers

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This is a guest blog by Holly Welles

Client Communication SkillsWhether you’re trying to connect with customers, a new employer or your partner, or even trying to network with peers, having client communication skills is vital for career growth. For project managers and planners, it’s especially crucial because poorly delivered messages can have a considerable impact on the results of projects and tasks.

Communication is also essential for dealing with clients. Without the appropriate message, you might misinterpret the scope of a project, what demands a client has or project specifications.

As an engineering professional, here are five crucial client communication skills you will need to interact with clients effectively:

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Community Outreach Initiatives for Engineering Professionals

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This is a guest blog by Holly Welles

Community Outreach Initiatives

If you’re an engineer, you chose your path because you love to solve problems, no matter how challenging. These characteristics make you a vital asset to society. Put your skills to good use by joining community outreach initiatives like one of the six below. Not only will it look good on your resume, but you’ll also learn vital skills, meet new people and gain experience.

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How Can Women Succeed in a Male-Dominated STEM Workforce

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This is a guest blog by Holly Welles

WomenWomen make up half of the workforce, but when it comes to the positions at the top, we have a long way to go. Many women stay away from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields to begin with, quite likely due to gender expectations that blossom in childhood classrooms. And unfortunately, some who aim for a career as an engineer, scientist or mathematician often leave the field.

How can women succeed in a male-dominated workforce such as the engineering field? It isn’t easy, and it takes developing more than thick skin. Women need to pick their battles when it comes to dealing with coworker and employer demands for performing gender-specific labor. Here’s how women can take their engineering career to new heights. [Read more…] about How Can Women Succeed in a Male-Dominated STEM Workforce

Focus on Getting Better at Your Engineering Job Every Day

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Focus on Getting Better at Your Engineering Job Every Day is a guest blog by Holly Welles

Focus Engineering Job

Whether you’re starting an engineering management role for the first time or you’re a more seasoned professional, your energy is likely to wane after a few months of focusing at getting better at your engineering job. You’ve settled in and learned the ropes, after all. It becomes easier to do what needs to get done without pushing yourself to keep advancing your skills, service and expertise.

At this stage, it’s important to keep up your motivation. Engineering management professionals can do themselves, their teams and their clients a huge favor by focusing on getting better at their jobs every day. While it seems like a tall order, continual improvement is actually pretty easy to bake into your everyday routine.

You can focus on improving your priorities, mindset and knowledge with just a little effort each day. Here’s how to get started: [Read more…] about Focus on Getting Better at Your Engineering Job Every Day

Why Engineers Might Consider Opportunities in Construction Fields

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This is a guest blog by Holly Welles

Construction Fields

The automotive, aeronautical and electronics industries are all popular among engineering graduates, however, as a recent graduate, it’s essential to explore the full spectrum of possibilities. While you likely have preferences and priorities, you shouldn’t limit yourself by your expectations. There’s no set path you need to follow.

With this in mind, you should consider seeking opportunities within the construction field. It’s an excellent field for engineers, and there’s always demand for professionals with a specific set of skills and abilities. More than that, the necessity of construction ensures its value far into the future.

Presently, you might be curious about what engineering in construction fields entails. I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the subject, touching on three reasons why you should research the industry and review your options. Consider the following…

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