Discussion Thread

  • 1.  Benefits of Joining Professional Organizations as a Young Engineer

    Posted 08-20-2019 10:53 AM
    With many organizations doing great things out there, from equipping the future of civil engineering to assisting communities in need, how do we decide which organizations to join?

    Personally, I am actively involved in ASCE, SEI, and EWB. I try to balance my involvement and always seek opportunities where I am able to not only be part of a team but to help others along the way. I value the knowledge that I have, not for what it represents but for the impact I can make with it.

    I want to start a discussion around what organizations you are part of and why you think young engineers should get involved early on? What are the benefits of joining these organization?

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    Luis Duque EIT, A.M.ASCE
    Structural Engineer
    Broomfield CO
    luis@...
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  • 2.  RE: Benefits of Joining Professional Organizations as a Young Engineer

    Posted 08-22-2019 12:25 PM
    My main professional involvement has been with ASCE for the past 8 years or so, about 4 years as a student and about 4 as a professional. Like all things, you get out what you put in. The fun part is that your involvement just snowballs and before you know it. With LA Younger Member Forum I've been active with their university outreach where I've helped program job fairs and student competitions. It's been very rewarding for me. 

    Professionally I've developed soft skills like leadership, project management, writing, and public speaking. I've also got to network with folks from all the way up the corporate ladder and with folks all the country. Involvement in ASCE allowed me to quickly develop as a professional and pick up skills that have been invaluable in my workplace. 

    Bottom line, I highly recommend ASCE involvement. It's fun and you can get a lot out of it.

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    Paul Lee P.E., M.ASCE
    Civil Engineering Associate
    Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power
    Los Angeles CA
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  • 3.  RE: Benefits of Joining Professional Organizations as a Young Engineer

    Posted 08-22-2019 02:49 PM
    Hello Luis,

    Shortly after graduating, I became actively involved with my local ASCE SEI chapter. One of my co-workers encouraged me to join. I started in the Student Outreach position with a goal of expanding our scholarship program. From there, I cycled through other positions and eventually became Chair as a young engineer. By this time, I'd created a solid network of colleagues locally and nationally. I owe it all to the one co-worker who tapped me on the shoulder and inspired me to get involved as a recent graduate. So, creating a network outside of your office space is one reason to get started right away.

    This network is important because engineers learn so much from sharing knowledge with each other. Local chapters of ASCE spend a lot of time organizing professional development events for this purpose as well. Both colleagues in the private and public sector are often eager to participate because it gives them an opportunity to present the projects they are proud of to the engineering community. A younger engineer can strengthen their soft skills through coordinating these events and hard skills through attending lectures by seasoned professionals. As a bonus, there are often discounted rates for board members who volunteer their time.

    Also, as a side note, professional organizations also plan student outreach events for elementary and high school students. It great for younger engineers to get involved so that they may connect with the students. Being less removed, I believe it helps elementary and high school students to visually see that they can become engineers too.

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    Jameelah Ingram P.E., M.ASCE
    Washington DC
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