In this episode, Rachel and Mat provide you with the top three lessons they have learned throughout their career journey in the hope of inspiring and guiding you on your path to success in the world of structural engineering. Whether you’re at the beginning of your career, in the midst of it, or simply curious about the inner workings of the structural engineering field or building a structural engineering network, this episode is designed to equip you with practical knowledge and inspire you to reach new heights in your professional endeavors.
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Top Tips for Building Your Structural Engineering Network:
- Recognizing the importance of networking, both within and outside one’s company, can greatly influence a structural engineer’s career. Building a strong professional network not only enhances confidence and combats burnout, but it also creates various career prospects and facilitates learning from peers and industry professionals.
- Engineers, often seen as introverted, might not prioritize networking initially. Balancing one-on-one interactions and group settings is crucial. Recognizing the continuous importance of networking helps in creating job prospects and opportunities for knowledge-sharing and collaboration throughout one’s career.
- For engineers, focusing on developing strong technical skills in the early years forms a vital foundation for problem-solving and career advancement, leading to increased confidence and the ability to mentor and manage others effectively.
- Understanding one’s learning style is important for effective technical development, encouraging the use of various resources such as attending classes, seeking advice from knowledgeable peers, acquiring practical books, and maintaining a proactive, resourceful approach to learning, thereby facilitating continuous growth and development in the field.
- Recognizing the value of mentorship, the focus is on the importance of valuing guidance from mentors. Stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for personal growth. Mentoring high school students and younger engineers is fulfilling and it supports the next generation’s professional development.
- Understanding one’s work style and evolving values in their career is essential for engineers. It helps them focus on personal growth and career goals. Initially, they emphasize technical proficiency and project involvement. Eventually, they transition to a skills-oriented approach, focusing on communication, networking, and business development. This makes them more well-rounded and effective professionals in the field.
- Encouraging people to ask questions overcomes hesitation. Asking questions not only helps with personal understanding but also benefits the whole group. It’s crucial to feel confident in asking questions without fear of judgment, and it’s important to create a culture of asking and active participation.
- Becoming a better public speaker, even as an introvert, shows how crucial communication is for engineers. It’s not just about technical skills, but also about explaining complex ideas, working well with others, and teaching effectively. You need ongoing improvement in communication throughout your engineering career.
- Improving communication skills is crucial for success. Regardless of technical proficiency, clear and confident communication builds understanding and support. Techniques like projecting from the diaphragm and mastering voice nuances enhance one’s ability to convey messages effectively across different contexts.
More Details in This Episode…
About the Hosts
Mathew Picardal, P.E., SE
Mathew is a licensed engineer, practicing on structural projects in California, with an undergraduate degree from Cal Poly Pomona and an M.S. in Structural Engineering from UC San Diego. He has designed and managed various types of building structures, including residential wood apartment buildings, commercial steel buildings, and concrete parking structures and towers. He also hosts the new YouTube channel “Structural Engineering Life,” through which he promotes the structural engineering profession to engineering students who are not familiar with the industry perspective.
Rachel Holland, P.E.
Rachel is an experienced R&D engineer, developing and patenting multiple new structural connectors. She also offers her expertise to both the end user and specifiers as a branch engineering supervisor. She represents Simpson Strong-Tie as a deck expert, educating others on how to properly build code-compliant decks. Before her career working for a manufacturing company, she spent many years working for engineering consulting companies. She earned her Architectural Engineering undergrad degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from California State University, Monterey Bay. Rachel is a licensed P.E. in California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Sources/References:
NCEES
PE Exam
SE Exam
Dublin High School Engineering Academy
ACE mentorship program
UC Berkeley
UC San Diego
Stanford University
Toastmasters
Connect with Mathew Picardal, P.E., SE, on LinkedIn
Connect with Rachel Holland, P.E., on LinkedIn
Please leave your comments or questions in the section below on top tips you can share for building your structural engineering network.
