Engineering our Future: Helping Engineers Succeed In Career and Life

By: Helping you leverage your unique skills for career success
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  • Summary

  • Luis Duque from Engineering our Future provides meaningful and educational conversations with some of the best and brightest engineers and professionals worldwide so you can stay ahead of the curve in your career. Learn what the best engineers are working on, creating, and teaching so you can develop the skills needed to maintain your role as a critical member of society. Since 2018, Luis has been volunteering, working, and creating content inspiring and empowers thousands of people. His career experience is broad for his relatively few years out of school

    engineeringourfuture.substack.com
    Luis Duque
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Career Success Economics Personal Success
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Episodes
  • Small vs. Big Firms

    Small vs. Big Firms
    Nov 5 2024

    Big thank you to the podcast partners for making this episode possible

    PPI: https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/PPI2Pass

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    In this week's episode of Engineering our Future, we're diving deep into a question that's on the minds of many engineers and professionals: What's the real difference between working at a small versus big firms? Join Luis and Nicolai as they unpack this complex topic.

    Whether you're a recent graduate weighing your options or a seasoned pro considering a change, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate your career path.

    Key questions we'll explore:

    * How does company size impact your day-to-day work and long-term career trajectory?

    * What are the hidden advantages - and potential pitfalls - of both small and large firms?

    * How can you leverage the unique opportunities in each environment to accelerate your professional growth?

    "Engineering is not just about building structures; it's about constructing a fulfilling career."

    Drawing from their own experiences transitioning between different sized companies, Luis and Nikolai offer candid reflections and practical advice. They'll challenge you to think critically about what you truly value in your work environment and how to align your career choices with your personal and professional goals.

    "Your career choices should reflect your values and professional goals."

    Whether you're team "small firm energy" or dreaming of big corporate resources, this episode promises to broaden your perspective and equip you with the insights you need to make informed decisions about your engineering future. Tune in, and let's engineer not just structures, but careers built to last.

    "Understanding the dynamics of small versus large firms can redefine your engineering career."

    Lessons and Takeaways

    * Evaluate how company size aligns with your career goals and values to make informed decisions.

    * Identify the unique opportunities available at both small and large firms to enhance your professional growth.

    * Consider the long-term impact of daily work environment differences when choosing between company sizes.

    * Be aware of the hidden advantages and potential pitfalls of both small and large firms to navigate your career path effectively.

    * Reflect on your personal priorities to ensure your career choices align with what you value most in a work environment.

    Links and References

    * Share your feedback on this form: Social Media Request



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    29 mins
  • Navigating Structural Engineering Careers: Insights from Rachel Jackson of Thornton Tomasetti

    Navigating Structural Engineering Careers: Insights from Rachel Jackson of Thornton Tomasetti
    Oct 29 2024
    I know it has been a while since the last podcast came out. I have been taking a much needed break. We had a crazy summer with a new baby, tons of travel (including a month in Colombia), and starting a new job. Life has been crazy.This interview is from back in March with Rachel Jackson from Thornton Tomasetti. We chatted at the AISC Steel Conference after she gave a wonderful presentation to a group of students. I hope you enjoy this conversation.I wanted to also reflect on the great conversation we had and give you some insight on my takeaways.The Value of Hands-On ExperienceRachel emphasized the critical role of internships in professional development. She stated talked about how while theoretical knowledge is essential, practical experience is where true learning occurs. Her internships, particularly at Thornton Tomasetti, were instrumental in deepening her understanding of the field and establishing a robust professional network.This resonated strongly with my own experience. The transition from residential construction to bridge demolition has underscored the irreplaceable value of practical experience. Learning how to design a bridge can sometimes fall short of the actual design process. If you've been in the industry for any amount of time, I'm sure you've experienced the steep learning curve that comes with actually designing something, rather than just learning about how to design it.Networking and Career GrowthRachel highlighted the significance of professional connections. Rachel emphasized the importance of networking at events like the AISC conference. She explained that these gatherings provide excellent opportunities to build professional relationships that can significantly accelerate our career development.I wholeheartedly agree with this perspective. These conferences have consistently proven to be excellent platforms for engaging with industry leaders. In fact, many of the insightful guests featured on this podcast were connections made at these type of conferences.Life Long LearningIn the dynamic field of structural engineering, Rachel emphasized the necessity of ongoing education. She advocated for staying well informed on industry trends as well as the value that conferences have not only for our learning, but our career growth.I have been a big proponent of lifelong learning over the years. I used to think after school I was done learning, but since then I have found so many practical ways learning has improved not only my professional life, but my personal life as well. Take for example the "5-hour rule". It suggests dedicating at least 5 hours per week to deliberate learning, a practice followed by successful individuals like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. Learning is considered the best investment of time, with Benjamin Franklin noting that "an investment in knowledge pays the best interest". There are many practical ways to incorporate learning into daily life including finding mini learning periods during downtimes, attending industry conferences, and engaging in topics you find interesting.Mentors and Mentorship RelationshipsOne of the most impactful segments of our discussion was Rachel's reflection on mentorship. She shared, "The guidance of an experienced professional is invaluable in navigating one's career." Now, she's is doing the same by mentoring junior engineers at Thornton Tomasetti.Throughout my career I have had formal and informal mentorships. These relationships have sometimes grown into professional friendships, but most importantly, they gave me a strong foundation starting off. The lessons as well as the insights was invaluable at the time.Strategic Advice for Aspiring EngineersRachel offered several key recommendations for students:* Engage in extracurricular projects related to structural engineering* Attend industry conferences and workshops (such as the AISC Steel Conference)* Develop strong communication skills, which are crucial in engineering* Secure internships at reputable firms to gain practical experienceTo this, I would add: cultivate a habit of curiousity. Whether in meetings with architects or on-site with contractors, asking thoughtful questions demonstrates engagement and a desire to learn, which is highly valued in our profession. Take a step further and record those lessons. The brigtest minds over the years have kept journals to reflect on what they learn. The impact of writing it down has been tremendously. Nowadays, with technology, there are so many great options. I personally use Notion to keep all my stuff in one place. I have class notes from years ago as well as design summaries and resources to help me at work. And with AI I don’t have to manual search for what I am looking for, I can simply ask the chatbot.The Promising Future of Structural EngineeringAs our discussion concluded, Rachel's enthusiasm for the future of structural engineering was evident. From sustainable designs to innovative materials, our field is advancing ...
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    41 mins
  • Successful Collaboration in the AEC Industry with Katelyn Rossier

    Successful Collaboration in the AEC Industry with Katelyn Rossier
    Apr 16 2024

    We are back after a short break from the Podcast after a much needed personal time off.

    Today I bring you a conversation I had with Katelyn Rosier.

    She is a passionate advocate for empowering individuals and firms within the dynamic Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Through mentorDINO, the platform she has built, Katelyn fosters professional development and knowledge sharing, helping AEC professionals reach their full potential.

    Understanding the unique pressures faced by those in AEC – tight deadlines, juggling responsibilities, and the constant need to stay relevant – Katelyn identified a crucial gap. This realization fueled the creation of mentorDINO, offering a comprehensive range of resources designed to bridge the gap between technical expertise and the essential human skills needed for AEC success.

    Courses, workshops, and free content address core areas like effective communication, teamwork, delegation, and stress management. In a field where clear and concise articulation of ideas, both verbally and in writing, is paramount, mentorDINO equips professionals with communication strategies that ensure successful collaboration across all levels, from team members to clients.

    Recognizing collaboration as the cornerstone of successful AEC projects, Katelyn ensures mentorDINO offers resources that equip professionals with the skills to build strong, collaborative teams. These resources focus on leveraging diverse expertise and fostering a positive work environment.

    Delegation, another often-overlooked skill, is crucial for managing heavy workloads and meeting deadlines. MentorDINO offers guidance on delegating tasks appropriately, empowering team members, and ensuring accountability.

    The fast-paced nature of AEC projects can be highly stressful. Katelyn understands this, and that's why mentorDINO provides tools and techniques to manage stress effectively, promoting well-being and fostering a productive work environment.

    Beyond core areas, mentorDINO stays current with the evolving needs of the AEC industry. Katelyn's commitment extends to continuous exploration and integration of new topics and trends, ensuring the platform's offerings remain relevant and impactful.

    Katelyn goes beyond providing resources. She believes in fostering a supportive community within the AEC industry. Through mentorDINO, she connects professionals, offering them a platform to share experiences, learn from each other, and grow together.

    Whether you're an architect yearning to hone communication skills, an engineer seeking to optimize team dynamics, or a construction manager navigating delegation challenges, mentorDINO is here to support you. Katelyn, through mentorDINO, champions lifelong learning and equips AEC professionals with the tools and strategies they need to navigate the exciting and ever-changing world of their industry.

    Connect with Katelyn and the mentorDINO community and embark on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself within the AEC industry.



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    55 mins

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