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In this episode, we speak with Tsandi Chen, EIT, structural engineer at HDR, about the value of in-person work, building better connections, leveraging LinkedIn to engage with senior engineers, and balancing technical details with big-picture thinking through smart questions.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions We Asked Tsandi:
- What was your experience like working in an office as a new professional, and do you think it’s essential for engineers to get office experience right after finishing school?
- How have you built relationships across different disciplines throughout your career, and what advice would you give young engineers to develop strong interdisciplinary connections?
- What strategies have you used on platforms like LinkedIn to successfully connect with senior engineers and industry leaders, and how did these interactions help you grow?
- How has your ability to ask insightful questions evolved over your career, and why do you think this skill is crucial for early-career engineers?
- What methods did you use to stay accountable early in your career, and what tips would you share with others in their early 20’s?
- How do you balance focusing on the details of structural design while maintaining a broader understanding of the industry, including both big-picture and finer aspects of your work?
- How do you determine which experiences are valuable for your growth, and how have you shaped your purpose in the field of structural engineering?
- What is the most important piece of advice you would offer to those just starting their engineering careers?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Build Better Connections in Your Early Engineering Career:
- In-person work is valuable for early-career engineers, as it allows for faster learning through quick access to senior staff for feedback and improves communication skills. It also helps engineers adapt to company culture more easily, encouraging growth and stronger connections.
- Building relationships across disciplines is key for engineers, especially when working closely with architects and other professionals. Attending industry events and engaging with professionals outside of the office can provide valuable insights into different perspectives, helping engineers understand trends, challenges, and how to communicate more effectively across fields.
- Cold contacting professionals, especially senior engineers, can feel intimidating, but many are more generous with their time than expected. Persistence and showing genuine interest by asking thoughtful, specific questions can lead to valuable learning opportunities and help build strong connections in the industry.
- Asking smart questions starts with being clear about what you know and what you don’t, which helps project managers provide the right guidance and enhances overall communication. This approach not only improves understanding but also demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn, which is crucial for growth in any discipline.
- Holding yourself accountable early in your career is key to long-term success, and finding an accountability partner can help keep you on track with your goals. It’s important to balance all areas of life, work, health, and personal relationships, since they all influence your overall performance and growth.
- Balancing detailed structural design with a broader industry perspective helps engineers become more well-rounded and effective team members. By thinking about the bigger picture and how different disciplines and trends affect a project, engineers can contribute to better collaboration and more informed decision-making, benefiting both the project and the community it serves.
- Finding your “why” in structural engineering starts with identifying what interests you and exploring different paths, even if it means adjusting along the way. Engaging with mentors, attending industry events, and learning from others’ experiences can help clarify your direction and lead to a more purposeful career.
- The early 20’s are a crucial time for growth, as it’s a period to absorb knowledge, work hard, and build valuable connections. By being curious and open to learning, young professionals can lay a strong foundation for their careers and contribute to making their industries more connected and collaborative.
More Details in This Episode
About Tsandi Chen, EIT
Tsandi is an early career professional in the structural engineering industry. She has had three years of structural design experience since she graduated with a B.S. (’20) and M.S. (’21) from UCLA in Civil Engineering: Structural Engineering. Her design experience includes mixed-use, multi-family, federal, laboratories, and hospitals.
Outside of work, Tsandi enjoys getting involved in the building design industry and serves as one of the leaders of the Carbon Leadership Forum – Los Angeles (CLF-LA) hub. She helps plan monthly events that educate and empower the CLF-LA community on effective ways to reduce embodied carbon in their projects. She was a part of the SE Pathways Cohort at the 2022 Structural Engineering Association of California (SEAOC) Convention and was a Simpson Strong-Tie Student Scholar recipient in 2019.
About the Host, 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.
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Sources/References:
UCLA
HDR
USGBC
Carbon Leadership Forum Los Angeles
ULI
Gallup Strengths Finder
Connect with Tsandi Chen, EIT, on LinkedIn
This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI
PPI has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, OnDemand courses, and digital study tools to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam here.
Please leave your comments or questions in the section below on how to build better connections in your early engineering career.
To your success,
Mathew Picardal, P.E., SE
Host of The Structural Engineering Podcast
