An Engineer that will be remembered for much more than engineering – and some lessons she left for us.
The engineering industry lost a dynamite engineer and person last month. Suzanne Audra (Muzzey) Seminara, 39, passed away June 16, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. Suzy was my classmate in undergraduate engineering school, and my wife’s college roommate. The three of us spent a lot of time together in college, mostly doing engineering homework […]
The Importance of Knowing Your “Why”
I’ve worked with thousands of engineers throughout the world, and a common theme has emerged throughout that work: engineers want to see progress in their careers. We want to climb the corporate ladder faster. We want to get more done. We want to be happier and more successful. We want to improve. I think this […]
Engineering Project Success Depends on You
Not every project you undertake as a leader is going to work out, sometimes you may find yourself having to make the decision to pull the plug. You may already have seen this in your engineering career and if not, you will. According to Project Management Institute (PMI), only 62% of projects met their […]
Why Professional Development never Ends for Engineers
I recently presented a half-day leadership seminar to a group of engineers in Mississippi. The seminar covered the basics of the most important business skills engineers should have namely: communications, productivity, leadership, and professional development. Thankfully, the seminar was well received. The feedback I got after the talk was very positive. As is often […]
Four Forms of Accountability for Engineers
Let’s talk about the accountability for engineers. Engineering covers a wide range of disciplines, such as mechanical, structural, environmental, or electrical engineers, to name a few. But all are considered professionals, no matter what their place in the organization. Engineers are responsible for many projects that can impact the public. Thus there is a set […]
Creating a Project Portfolio to Boost Your Engineering Career
If you have that information locked in your long-term memory and can access it at will, you’re set! For the rest of us, however, total recall isn’t a reality. While our long-term memory is nearly limitless, our short-term memory is only capable of managing a handful of items. Also, as time goes by, the validity […]
Why you Need to Sign up with a Recruiter if You are Looking at Transitioning From the Military
Are you looking at transitioning from the military but haven’t signed up with a military placement agency yet? If so let me tell you the top 5 reasons you need to sign up with a recruiter, even if your separation is more than a year away. Plans can change and it never hurts to have […]
What Bricklayers can Teach us About our Engineering Careers
I was recently reminded of a parable I had heard many years ago. In the story, there are three bricklayers working on a wall for a church. Someone asks the first bricklayer what he’s doing. He says, “I’m building a wall.” The second bricklayer is asked the same question and replies, “I’m building a church.” […]
Using Negative Feedback For Success
It may be the nature of most people to try and avoid receiving negative feedback. When some people do receive such feedback, they often ignore it, rationalize it or attack the source of it. Very seldom do they see the benefit of improving from it. Negative feedback is an opportunity to reflect and learn. When […]
One Small Trick for Making Big Decisions
Have you ever been in situations where you felt like making big decisions was impossible? Or have you ever gone all-in on a big decision just to find out you made a huge mistake? I’ve done both, and I’m sure I’m in good company. Paralysis by analysis is a terrible state to be in – […]