Lessons Learned: Advice from Our Leaders

Over the last several months, we've been interviewing our firm leaders and sharing their insights in our monthly internal newsletters. One of the questions we asked was:

"What advice do you have for less-experienced engineers getting started?"

After a while, we realized their advice was too valuable to keep all to ourselves. So, we've compiles their responses here.

Here's what they had to say:

Bryce Crady - Principal

Work hard and make sure you truly enjoy what you do. Life is too short to be miserable at work every day. Also, be sure to take care of yourself, it's a very stressful job/environment that we have chosen to pursue, so, take time to be mindful of taking care of yourself, stress, sleep, etc. is so important to manage, something I've struggled with from time to time over the years.

Jared Lambrecht - Principal

Be like a sponge and soak in everything you can from those around you including architects and contractors. At the end of the day your work is your reputation so take pride in it, do your best at each task, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Michael Brunin - Principal

Be a sponge and proactive when possible, don't ever be afraid to ask questions. Visit as many construction sites as possible, and even try to get involved in construction projects in some capacity. Try to find networking opportunities, things like AEC industry events, groups, or social outings. But above all else, make sure you enjoy what you're doing for a living and maintain a work-life balance.

Bethany Hahn - Associate & Chief Operating Officer

The transition from school to career can be challenging. In school, you get regular feedback from professors through grades. When you are on the job, there aren't the same planned check points. You don't get graded on each project you complete. You get redlines, fix them, then move on to the next project. As managers, we try to ensure we are stepping back at least quarterly to take time for feedback, but it is a transition.

Don't be afraid to ask your PM/manager for more frequent or project specific feedback - and don't be afraid to give them constructive feedback about anything they could do to be a better manager.

Matthew Conley - Associate & Project Manager

Ask questions to a variety of people in the office. You will get the most insight in getting a difference of opinions. Don't hesitate to call contractors and architects directly when you're just starting out. I'm sure I had some social anxiety with this when I first started because I felt like I didn't know what I was talking about. But over time I realized most people are easy to talk to and talking through issues on the phone or on site is more efficient and easier than emails.

Aaron Kilgore - Associate

As it relates to our work, learn load path. Just as critical as properly developing loads and material design, knowing how those external loads are applied and track down the structure is essential to the design and detailing process. At the end of the day all structural members are attached to other structural members with the whole building acting as a system. Compartmentalize parts and pieces and just work from where the load is applied piece by piece till you run it to the ground. IE, floor loading is applied to decking, decking is supported by joists, joists are supported by beams, beams are supported by columns, columns are supported by foundations; design each member and its connection as you work the load path.

Daniel Meyer - Sr. Forensic Engineer

Once you've managed to get comfortable with the work you're doing daily, take the time to go back and make sure you understand the basics of the mechanics of materials and how those concepts apply to your design work. I spend a lot of time looking at unusual or unique conditions inside existing buildings. Sometimes, going back to the basics and thinking about the forces internal to a member can help illuminate why something was designed the way it was, or what's gone wrong with it.

Alfonso Torres - Project Manager

Be curious and develop the ability to communicate often and well. Curiosity will lead you to better understand technical topics of the "why" behind many of the design decisions senior engineers make. Communication is at the core of what we do; without the ability to communicate well, no matter how talented or knowledgeable of an engineer you may become, it can stunt your professional growth and ability to lead.

Ryan Huff - Project Manager

Be yourself, as long as yourself isn't afraid of making mistakes, learning every day, and working hard to achieve your goals! Also, you really need to know what the 3-4-5 triangle is.

Jeffrey Bloss - Associate & Sr. Project Engineer

My advice is that it is always better to look dumb than be dumb. Your manager needs to be able to trust your work first and foremost. If you don't understand something, ask the question right then and there. The truth is, the further you get in your career, the less likely you will ever ask the question since you are "supposed to know it by now."

If you made it this far, congrats - you've gained some indispensable knowledge! What was your favorite piece of advice?