Engineering Management Institute

Tiffani Teachey

Engineer Your Impact: Strategies for Community Engagement and Outreach

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This is a guest post by Tiffani Teachey

Community engagement

“Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” ~ Shirley Chisholm

Engineering is a field that thrives on innovation, problem-solving, and making the world a better place through technology. While engineers are known for their technical prowess, their skills and expertise can extend beyond their professional work and into their local communities. Community engagement as an engineer not only benefits the people and organizations in your area but also provides you with an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and inspire the next generation of engineers.

In this blog, I will explore three key points on how engineers can make a meaningful impact in their communities: leveraging their technical skills for the greater good, networking and collaborating with others, and inspiring and mentoring future generations of engineers. Let’s delve into these points to discover how engineers can contribute to the well-being of both their community and their professional growth.

Community engagement

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How Mentorship Guides the Path to Engineering Success

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This is a guest post by Tiffani Teachey

engineering success
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“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

In the dynamic world of engineering, mentorship is the compass that guides emerging and seasoned professionals alike toward engineering success. As we embark on this exploration of mentorship’s transformative role, we’ll unveil the essential steps to identify potential mentors, set clear career objectives, and cultivate meaningful relationships that can elevate your engineering journey. Much like myself as a senior mechanical engineer, author, and STEM advocate who has harnessed the power of mentorship to shape my own remarkable career, we’ll uncover the keys to forging connections that inspire growth and innovation in the field of engineering. So, let’s embark on this enlightening journey and discover how mentorship can propel engineers toward new horizons of achievement. Here are three key steps for mentorship for engineers:

Identify Potential Mentors:

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WIE 001: Women in Engineering Podcast: A Celebration of Female Ingenuity and Achievement

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Women in Engineering Podcast

In this first episode of the Women in Engineering podcast, I introduce our host, Tiffani Teachey, and provide you with a glimpse of the exciting topics that will be featured in upcoming episodes. We also embark on a thorough exploration of the extraordinary history of women’s involvement in the field of engineering, delving into their groundbreaking achievements, their ability to transcend conventional limitations, and their tireless efforts to challenge gender norms and pave the way for a new era of leadership in engineering.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Women in Engineering Podcast

Women in Engineering Podcast

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Tiffani:

  • Can you share your career journey with our listeners to show why you’re the perfect host for this new show?
  • What challenges did you face in your career journey, and how did you overcome them?
  • How does someone develop the confidence to be comfortable in a male-dominated field?
  • What do you hope to achieve by hosting the Women in Engineering podcast?
  • What do you think of Edith Clarke, the first woman to earn an electrical engineering degree from MIT and the first female professor of electrical engineering in the United States?
  • What are your thoughts on Emily Warren Roebling, an early champion for breaking the glass ceiling for women in STEM fields?
  • What are your thoughts on Lillian Gilbreth, a pioneer in industrial engineering and psychology, who is often referred to as the mother of modern management?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Women in Engineering Podcast: 

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Public Speaking for Engineering Success

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This is a guest post by Tiffani Teachey

public speaking

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“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.” ~ Maya Angelou

I’m excited to share insights on communication and public speaking tailored specifically for engineers. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer and a Distinguished Toastmaster with experience as an International TEDx speaker with the University of South Africa, I understand the importance of bridging the gap between technical expertise and the art of conveying ideas effectively. Let’s delve into three key points that can help engineers like us master the art of communication.

Embrace Your Engineering Expertise

One of the unique advantages we engineers have is our deep technical knowledge. However, this expertise can sometimes be our Achilles’ heel when trying to communicate with non-technical audiences. Embrace your engineering background and use it to your advantage. Simplify complex concepts by breaking them down into digestible chunks. Connect your technical insights to real-world applications to make your message more relatable. Whether it’s discussing the intricacies of a machine’s design or explaining the benefits of a sustainable engineering solution, leverage your expertise to engage and educate effectively.

Learn from Toastmasters

As a Distinguished Toastmaster, I’ve undergone training in the art of public speaking and leadership. Keep the Toastmasters spirit alive in your professional life. Refine your speaking skills, practice impromptu speaking, and enhance your ability to organize and deliver engaging speeches. Furthermore, consider taking leadership roles within your Toastmasters club to strengthen your facilitation and team-building skills, which are invaluable in both engineering and public speaking contexts.

Draw Inspiration from TEDx Talks

My experience as an International TEDx speaker has been a remarkable achievement. TEDx talks are known for their ability to captivate audiences worldwide. Study TEDx talks in your area of interest to understand what makes them stand out. Observe how presenters use storytelling, relatable anecdotes, and visual aids to convey complex ideas. Incorporate these techniques into your own presentations to make your engineering topics more compelling and accessible to a broader audience.

In conclusion, as engineers, we have the power to revolutionize the world with our innovative ideas and solutions. However, to truly make a difference, we must also be effective communicators. Embrace your engineering expertise, take on your presentation journey with Toastmasters, and draw inspiration from the world of TEDx talks. By combining your technical knowledge with strong communication skills, you can inspire, educate, and drive positive change.

Now, it’s your turn! Take the first step in elevating your communication skills. Join a Toastmasters club, explore more TEDx talks, and start sharing your engineering insights with the world. Together, we can shape a future where engineers not only build extraordinary things but also inspire and engage the world with their ideas. Please let us know in the comments below any other ways to elevate your communication and presentation skills. We would love to hear from you!

About the Author

Personal Branding

Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani is the owner of Thrive Edge Publishing and owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is currently a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with more than 19 years of experience, Tiffani has a passion for inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift – 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book at www.stemistheway.com.

We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you might share about advancing your public speaking skills. 

Please leave your comments, feedback or questions in the section below.

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To your success,

Anthony Fasano, PE, LEED AP
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

How to Build a Strong Engineering Network: Top 3 Strategies for Successful Networking and Client Relations

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This is a guest post by Tiffani Teachey

client relations

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“Networking allows you to learn from others’ experiences and gain valuable insights.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

Networking and client relations are essential skills for any engineer looking to succeed in the modern workplace. Not only will these skills enable engineers to develop their professional connections and relationships, but they will also help them to better understand the needs of their clients and how to best meet them. In this blog, we’ll look at three key points to keep in mind to improve your networking and client relations.

client relations

Get to Know Your Clients

It’s important to take the time to get to know your clients on a personal level. Ask questions to understand their needs, challenges, and goals. This will help you to identify areas of opportunity and suggest solutions that better meet their needs. Additionally, getting to know your clients on a personal level will help to build trust and ensure that your working relationship is mutually beneficial.

Be Professional

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Unlocking Work-Life Integration: 3 Tips for Engineers to Thrive

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This is a guest post by Tiffani Teachey

work-life integration

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“You can have it all. You just can’t have it all at once.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

As engineers, our professional lives often demand our utmost attention and commitment. However, it’s equally important to maintain a healthy work-life integration to avoid burnout and ensure overall well-being. Work-life integration is a concept that encourages blending work and personal life harmoniously. In this blog post, we’ll explore three essential tips to help engineers achieve successful work-life integration.

1. Establish Clear Boundaries

One of the key aspects of work-life integration is setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. It’s crucial to define specific time frames for work-related activities and personal commitments. Consider creating a schedule that accommodates your work tasks while allowing time for leisure, family, and self-care. Communicate these boundaries with your colleagues and superiors, ensuring they understand and respect your personal time. By maintaining clear boundaries, you’ll be able to stay focused during work hours and fully engage in personal activities, leading to improved productivity and well-being.

work-life integration

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5 Essential Habits for Engineers’ Personal and Professional Growth Success

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This is a guest post by Tiffani Teachey

Personal and Professional Growth

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“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” ~ Maya Angelou

As an engineer, personal and professional growth are essential for long-term success and fulfillment. Developing good habits can make a significant difference in your journey. In this blog post, we will explore five crucial habits that every engineer should cultivate to foster personal and professional growth. Let’s dive in!

1. Continuous Learning

In the fast-paced world of engineering, staying updated with the latest knowledge and skills is vital. Cultivate a habit of continuous learning by dedicating time each day or week to expand your knowledge. Whether it’s reading technical articles, attending workshops, or taking online courses, make learning a priority. By staying curious and open-minded, you’ll keep up with industry trends and enhance your problem-solving abilities.

Personal and Professional Growth

2. Effective Time Management

Time is a precious resource, and effective time management is crucial for engineers. Develop habits that help you prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and eliminate distractions. Use productivity techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, create to-do lists, and leverage productivity tools to optimize your workflow. By managing your time efficiently, you’ll accomplish more, reduce stress, and have a better work-life integration.

3. Strong Communication Skills

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Three Ways Engineers Can Bridge the Gap Between Technical Skills and People Management

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This is a guest post by Tiffani Teachey

people management

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“Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall.”
– Stephen R Covey

Engineers are typically known for their technical skills, but people management is a critical aspect of their roles. Engineers who can manage people effectively can drive successful projects, motivate their team, and foster innovation. In this blog, we will explore the importance of people management for engineers and three key points that can help them become effective people managers.

Communication Skills

One of the most important aspects of people management for engineers is communication skills. Effective communication can help an engineer express their ideas clearly, delegate tasks effectively, and manage conflicts within the team. Engineers who can communicate well can ensure that everyone on the team understands their roles, responsibilities, and goals. Additionally, clear communication can also foster collaboration, increase productivity, and ensure that everyone is working toward the same objective.

people management

Emotional Intelligence

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Top 5 Leadership Skills Every Engineer Needs to Succeed in the Workplace

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This is a guest post by Tiffani Teachey

“Leaders instill in their people a hope for success and a belief in themselves. Positive leaders empower people to accomplish their goals.”
~ Unknown

Engineering is a profession that requires a combination of technical skills and leadership skills. Engineers need to possess excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and analytical skills to develop innovative solutions. However, in order to succeed in the workplace and advance in their careers, engineers must also possess strong leadership skills. In this blog, we will discuss the top leadership skills every engineer needs to succeed in the workplace.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is the foundation of successful leadership. Engineers must be able to clearly communicate their ideas and instructions to their team members, clients, and stakeholders. They must also be able to actively listen to feedback and input from others. Strong communication skills also help engineers to build relationships with their team members, establish trust, and create a positive workplace culture.

Succeed in the Workplace

Team Building Skills

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Mastering Productivity: 3 Essential Hacks for Engineers

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This is a guest post by Tiffani Teachey

Mastering Productivity

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“Time is not refundable; use it with intention.” ~ Unknown

As an engineer, your job requires a high level of focus and attention to detail. With so many tasks and projects to manage, it can be challenging to stay productive throughout the day. The good news is that there are many productivity hacks that can help you streamline your workflow, maximize your efficiency, and get more done in less time. In this blog, we’ll explore three essential productivity hacks that every engineer should know. Whether you’re struggling with distractions, need to prioritize your tasks, or want to automate repetitive tasks, these hacks will help you with mastering productivity and achieving your goals.

Minimize Distractions

Distractions can derail your productivity and make it harder to stay focused on your work. To minimize distractions, implement the following:

  • Turn off notifications on your phone and computer
  • Use noise-canceling headphones to block out noise
  • Close unnecessary tabs and apps on your computer
  • Work in a quiet, distraction-free environment

Use the Pomodoro Technique

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