In this episode, we talk with Ryan Jeansonne, P.E., civil structural engineer at Titan Delta, who shares powerful insights on mentorship and continuous learning in engineering, inspiring both new and seasoned professionals to take bold, impactful steps in their careers.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions We Asked Ryan:
- Can you share some important moments or pivotal career decisions that have significantly shaped your path, especially regarding mentorship and continuous learning?
- How have your varied experiences and commitment to continuous learning contributed to your growth as an engineer?
- What specific tools or skills have proven most helpful for your professional development and success in engineering through mentorship?
- What mindset do you rely on when transitioning between specializations, especially in different engineering fields, and how does continuous learning support these shifts?
- Has learning and mastering local codes, as part of your continuous learning journey, helped you move forward in your career?
- How can consulting or pro bono work help engineers grow, build their professional network, and find valuable mentorship opportunities?
- What final piece of advice would you offer to young engineers aiming to advance in structural or civil engineering through mentorship and continuous learning?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Mentorship and Continuous Learning for Bold Engineering Growth:
- Key career decisions and varied experiences, from major New York infrastructure projects to residential design, play a crucial role in shaping a professional journey. Taking on new challenges and diverse roles, with the support of mentorship and continuous learning, builds expertise in both civil and structural engineering, opening doors to larger responsibilities and growth opportunities.
- Working in different roles and fields broadens skills and adaptability. A commitment to continuous learning, along with guidance from mentorship, supports smooth transitions across projects, deepening understanding and advancing a career.
- Using industry tools and resources, along with learning from peers and mentors, is essential for tackling new challenges. Mastering design software and insights gained through mentorship boost confidence and drive success in various engineering projects.
- An open and adaptable mindset is essential when moving between disciplines. Curiosity, continuous learning, and mentorship enable engineers to tackle new challenges and expand their skill sets in both civil and structural engineering.
- Mastering local codes, especially complex ones like those in New York, is central to career growth. This expertise, supported by mentorship, enhances effectiveness in managing complex projects, allowing engineers to take on senior roles with confidence and ensure compliance.
- Consulting provides valuable growth and networking opportunities, though it requires thorough preparation, including insurance and a strong firm setup to handle risks. Approaching consulting thoughtfully, with continuous learning and mentorship, is especially important in structural fields, where accuracy and liability are crucial.
- For young engineers, staying adaptable, seeking continuous learning opportunities, and embracing varied roles, especially in smaller companies, leads to a wide range of experience. Leveraging mentorship, mastering codes, and building solid skills establish a foundation for career advancement and success in complex projects.
More Details in This Episode…
About Ryan Jeansonne, P.E.
Ryan Jeansonne, P.E., is a civil structural engineer at Titan Delta with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Louisiana State University. With a strong focus on road reconstruction, infrastructure, and green infrastructure, Ryan is skilled in Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis, BIM, and RISA. His expertise extends to structural design, evaluation, and renovation, particularly in mid-rise structures, vertical and lateral components, and temporary structures. Ryan is also well-versed in NYC DOB Code compliance and provides consulting services, including pro bono work.
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 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:
Titan Delta
Eastside Access project
Long Island Railroad
Autodesk
Enercalc
MathCAD
AutoCAD
Community Engineering Corps
New York City Department of Building Code
American Concrete Institute
Connect with Ryan Jeansonne, P.E., on LinkedIn
This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI
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