Engineering Management Institute

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Professional Engineering Societies Must Do a Better Job Communicating the Benefits They Offer

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This is a guest post by Dr. Rae Taylor

I was reminded the other day to investigate my professional memberships — what I wanted to renew and what I wanted to let lapse. You may think I was reminded by an email or letter from the institute, but sadly it wasn’t anything that normal. I was actually reminded while writing my daughter’s name on a toy ID badge. There was enough room for her name and fake academic credentials, but none left for professional affiliations. It left me wondering what I would write myself, as it’s been so long since I wrote them down, and they’re hard to remember since I move around a lot between institutions.

I guess I should state now that my professional affiliation has lapsed. I was a member of a civil engineering specific society, but after I left my full-time job and became a part-time independent scientist/homeschooler/full-time daycare teacher/older neighbor welfare checker, the $245 membership fee seemed too high. Now, to be fair, this organization does provide one year of free membership should you find yourself no longer gainfully employed, which is brilliant. I applied for it and heard nothing back. I assume they were inundated with applications as many people were losing their jobs at that time.

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

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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:

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How to Stand Out (and get the interviews you want)

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stand out

This is a guest blog post from Zubin Ajmera

In this extremely challenging job environment, it is not only tough to get an engineering job, but equally tough to get an interview or a phone call for an engineering position. Several studies have shown that recruiters or engineering hiring managers spend roughly 6-10 seconds on a resume. What I believe, however, it’s not just a resume, but everything else too, like your LinkedIn profile or your elevator speech when you talk/meet for the first time.

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