Hey Bill,
I really appreciate the last section of the article that mentions that we should all be more open to talking about the emotions of starting a career. I think it can be really easy to forget how jarring it can be to leave school and suddenly work 40+ hours per week in a completely different environment. I remember starting my job and being a little shell shocked at how little seemed to change day to day in the office, and I couldn't imagine how some people had been sitting at the same desks for over 20 years. It definitely shook my own confidence in my career path decisions and made me worry about a whole host of existential things!
I can understand the reluctance to talk about these things, particularly from the perspective of the new hire to doesn't want to appear unprofessional, weak, or hesitant. Employers should work to create space for these types of emotions with new staff, so that its not on the new hires to try to navigate it themselves. Informal check-ins (even after work happy hours) where new hires have a place to ask more about their coworkers as people, is a good place to start.
In terms of technical skills - I've never been mad to meet a new hire who knows more tricks in excel than I do.
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Christopher Seigel P.E., M.ASCE
Civil Engineer
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-04-2023 05:22 PM
From: William McAnally
Subject: A Skill You Need
ASCE's Source published this article on a skill needed to contribute immediately in the workplace. Your thoughts?
https://www.asce.org/publications-and-news/civil-engineering-source/article/2023/05/25/what-skills-do-civil-engineers-need-to-enter-the-profession-and-contribute-immediately
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William McAnally Ph.D., P.E., BC.CE, BC.NE, F.ASCE
ENGINEER
Columbus MS
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