Discussion Thread

To become succesful at anything in any field, the system of mentorship can not be excluded. The practice of Engineering  is a delicate one considering its impact on life, i think the success of any project in Civil Engineering is dependent on mentorship.

I'm curious on how this mentorship works because i haven't started practice yet. Currently a Masters degree student

------------------------------
Saviour Shedamang Aff.M.ASCE
Student
Zonkwa
------------------------------

You are correct that mentoring is an essential component for the preparation of civil engineers to assume responsibility for engineering services. We normally think of mentoring as starting once an engineer enters the workforce, but your student advisor or another professor can serve to guide you while still in school along your chosen career path. Most employers recognize the importance of mentoring their young engineers and offer mentoring to them in various forms and formats. Some larger firms have formal and structured mentoring programs. Smaller firms might have programs that are more informal and less comprehensive. 

It's important for new civil engineering graduates to recognize that their education has only begun upon graduation. Your degree has provided you with the foundational and fundamental skills required to practice civil engineering. You will learn much more about how to practice and how to apply what you learned to real world problems through your early career development. Having a mentor (or more than one) during this development greatly enhances your experience, understanding, and advancement.

The depth and breadth of mentored experience is well-defined in ASCE's Civil Engineering Body of Knowledge (3rd edition). This tome defines the knowledge, skills, and attitudes attained through formal engineering education, structured mentored experience, and life-long learning that every civil engineer should first attain and then maintain to assume responsible charge of civil engineering services. You can simply Google ASCE's CEBOK to download a free copy. Understand that the CEBOK is an academic and technical analysis and justification for the conclusions it makes and might not lend itself to an "easy read". However, perusing the CEBOK, you can quickly understand the importance of structured mentored experience (and the sorts of outcomes you should pursue through mentored experience) to prepare you for responsible charge.

Finally, ASCE offers programs for those seeking mentors through Mentor match and other similar programs. I encourage anyone seeking a mentor to avail themselves of this great member benefit.

------------------------------
Bradley Aldrich P.E., F.ASCE
Senior Associate
Aldrich and Elliott, PC
Essex Jct VT
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-09-2021 02:04 AM
From: Saviour Shedamang
Subject: How does Mentorship work in the field of Civil Engineering?

To become succesful at anything in any field, the system of mentorship can not be excluded. The practice of Engineering  is a delicate one considering its impact on life, i think the success of any project in Civil Engineering is dependent on mentorship.

I'm curious on how this mentorship works because i haven't started practice yet. Currently a Masters degree student

------------------------------
Saviour Shedamang Aff.M.ASCE
Student
Zonkwa
------------------------------

Thank you very much sir for this exposition on mentorship. Being a fresh Civil Engineering graduate, truly my education has just begun. I will immediately get to the resources mentioned. 

Thank you once again sir. It feels really good been among great minds in the field

------------------------------
Saviour Shedamang Aff.M.ASCE
Student
Zonkwa
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 08:49 AM
From: Bradley Aldrich
Subject: How does Mentorship work in the field of Civil Engineering?

You are correct that mentoring is an essential component for the preparation of civil engineers to assume responsibility for engineering services. We normally think of mentoring as starting once an engineer enters the workforce, but your student advisor or another professor can serve to guide you while still in school along your chosen career path. Most employers recognize the importance of mentoring their young engineers and offer mentoring to them in various forms and formats. Some larger firms have formal and structured mentoring programs. Smaller firms might have programs that are more informal and less comprehensive.

It's important for new civil engineering graduates to recognize that their education has only begun upon graduation. Your degree has provided you with the foundational and fundamental skills required to practice civil engineering. You will learn much more about how to practice and how to apply what you learned to real world problems through your early career development. Having a mentor (or more than one) during this development greatly enhances your experience, understanding, and advancement.

The depth and breadth of mentored experience is well-defined in ASCE's Civil Engineering Body of Knowledge (3rd edition). This tome defines the knowledge, skills, and attitudes attained through formal engineering education, structured mentored experience, and life-long learning that every civil engineer should first attain and then maintain to assume responsible charge of civil engineering services. You can simply Google ASCE's CEBOK to download a free copy. Understand that the CEBOK is an academic and technical analysis and justification for the conclusions it makes and might not lend itself to an "easy read". However, perusing the CEBOK, you can quickly understand the importance of structured mentored experience (and the sorts of outcomes you should pursue through mentored experience) to prepare you for responsible charge.

Finally, ASCE offers programs for those seeking mentors through Mentor match and other similar programs. I encourage anyone seeking a mentor to avail themselves of this great member benefit.

------------------------------
Bradley Aldrich P.E., F.ASCE
Senior Associate
Aldrich and Elliott, PC
Essex Jct VT

Original Message:
Sent: 11-09-2021 02:04 AM
From: Saviour Shedamang
Subject: How does Mentorship work in the field of Civil Engineering?

To become succesful at anything in any field, the system of mentorship can not be excluded. The practice of Engineering  is a delicate one considering its impact on life, i think the success of any project in Civil Engineering is dependent on mentorship.

I'm curious on how this mentorship works because i haven't started practice yet. Currently a Masters degree student

------------------------------
Saviour Shedamang Aff.M.ASCE
Student
Zonkwa
------------------------------

ASCE Mentor Match is a great program, one I have been a participant for almost three years. 
I started off as a mentee and more recently have begun mentoring new graduates in finding a job or internship.
I was originally hesitant about being a mentor because I didn't think I have anything to add being only 3 years in the industry. It turns out that since I had just experienced trying to find a job I was able to help both my mentees (so far) to find a job and an internship.

Ultimately, Engineering is a collaborative effort and we can all learn and help each other.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb1lRrXmai8​

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 08:58 PM
From: Saviour Shedamang
Subject: How does Mentorship work in the field of Civil Engineering?

Thank you very much sir for this exposition on mentorship. Being a fresh Civil Engineering graduate, truly my education has just begun. I will immediately get to the resources mentioned.

Thank you once again sir. It feels really good been among great minds in the field

------------------------------
Saviour Shedamang Aff.M.ASCE
Student
Zonkwa

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 08:49 AM
From: Bradley Aldrich
Subject: How does Mentorship work in the field of Civil Engineering?

You are correct that mentoring is an essential component for the preparation of civil engineers to assume responsibility for engineering services. We normally think of mentoring as starting once an engineer enters the workforce, but your student advisor or another professor can serve to guide you while still in school along your chosen career path. Most employers recognize the importance of mentoring their young engineers and offer mentoring to them in various forms and formats. Some larger firms have formal and structured mentoring programs. Smaller firms might have programs that are more informal and less comprehensive.

It's important for new civil engineering graduates to recognize that their education has only begun upon graduation. Your degree has provided you with the foundational and fundamental skills required to practice civil engineering. You will learn much more about how to practice and how to apply what you learned to real world problems through your early career development. Having a mentor (or more than one) during this development greatly enhances your experience, understanding, and advancement.

The depth and breadth of mentored experience is well-defined in ASCE's Civil Engineering Body of Knowledge (3rd edition). This tome defines the knowledge, skills, and attitudes attained through formal engineering education, structured mentored experience, and life-long learning that every civil engineer should first attain and then maintain to assume responsible charge of civil engineering services. You can simply Google ASCE's CEBOK to download a free copy. Understand that the CEBOK is an academic and technical analysis and justification for the conclusions it makes and might not lend itself to an "easy read". However, perusing the CEBOK, you can quickly understand the importance of structured mentored experience (and the sorts of outcomes you should pursue through mentored experience) to prepare you for responsible charge.

Finally, ASCE offers programs for those seeking mentors through Mentor match and other similar programs. I encourage anyone seeking a mentor to avail themselves of this great member benefit.

------------------------------
Bradley Aldrich P.E., F.ASCE
Senior Associate
Aldrich and Elliott, PC
Essex Jct VT

Original Message:
Sent: 11-09-2021 02:04 AM
From: Saviour Shedamang
Subject: How does Mentorship work in the field of Civil Engineering?

To become succesful at anything in any field, the system of mentorship can not be excluded. The practice of Engineering  is a delicate one considering its impact on life, i think the success of any project in Civil Engineering is dependent on mentorship.

I'm curious on how this mentorship works because i haven't started practice yet. Currently a Masters degree student

------------------------------
Saviour Shedamang Aff.M.ASCE
Student
Zonkwa
------------------------------

This is so inspiring Engr.

Thank you for the attachment. I've learned from this

------------------------------
Saviour Shedamang Aff.M.ASCE
Student
Zonkwa
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2022 08:45 AM
From: Daniel Bressler
Subject: How does Mentorship work in the field of Civil Engineering?

ASCE Mentor Match is a great program, one I have been a participant for almost three years.
I started off as a mentee and more recently have begun mentoring new graduates in finding a job or internship.
I was originally hesitant about being a mentor because I didn't think I have anything to add being only 3 years in the industry. It turns out that since I had just experienced trying to find a job I was able to help both my mentees (so far) to find a job and an internship.

Ultimately, Engineering is a collaborative effort and we can all learn and help each other.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb1lRrXmai8​

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 08:58 PM
From: Saviour Shedamang
Subject: How does Mentorship work in the field of Civil Engineering?

Thank you very much sir for this exposition on mentorship. Being a fresh Civil Engineering graduate, truly my education has just begun. I will immediately get to the resources mentioned.

Thank you once again sir. It feels really good been among great minds in the field

------------------------------
Saviour Shedamang Aff.M.ASCE
Student
Zonkwa

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2021 08:49 AM
From: Bradley Aldrich
Subject: How does Mentorship work in the field of Civil Engineering?

You are correct that mentoring is an essential component for the preparation of civil engineers to assume responsibility for engineering services. We normally think of mentoring as starting once an engineer enters the workforce, but your student advisor or another professor can serve to guide you while still in school along your chosen career path. Most employers recognize the importance of mentoring their young engineers and offer mentoring to them in various forms and formats. Some larger firms have formal and structured mentoring programs. Smaller firms might have programs that are more informal and less comprehensive.

It's important for new civil engineering graduates to recognize that their education has only begun upon graduation. Your degree has provided you with the foundational and fundamental skills required to practice civil engineering. You will learn much more about how to practice and how to apply what you learned to real world problems through your early career development. Having a mentor (or more than one) during this development greatly enhances your experience, understanding, and advancement.

The depth and breadth of mentored experience is well-defined in ASCE's Civil Engineering Body of Knowledge (3rd edition). This tome defines the knowledge, skills, and attitudes attained through formal engineering education, structured mentored experience, and life-long learning that every civil engineer should first attain and then maintain to assume responsible charge of civil engineering services. You can simply Google ASCE's CEBOK to download a free copy. Understand that the CEBOK is an academic and technical analysis and justification for the conclusions it makes and might not lend itself to an "easy read". However, perusing the CEBOK, you can quickly understand the importance of structured mentored experience (and the sorts of outcomes you should pursue through mentored experience) to prepare you for responsible charge.

Finally, ASCE offers programs for those seeking mentors through Mentor match and other similar programs. I encourage anyone seeking a mentor to avail themselves of this great member benefit.

------------------------------
Bradley Aldrich P.E., F.ASCE
Senior Associate
Aldrich and Elliott, PC
Essex Jct VT

Original Message:
Sent: 11-09-2021 02:04 AM
From: Saviour Shedamang
Subject: How does Mentorship work in the field of Civil Engineering?

To become succesful at anything in any field, the system of mentorship can not be excluded. The practice of Engineering  is a delicate one considering its impact on life, i think the success of any project in Civil Engineering is dependent on mentorship.

I'm curious on how this mentorship works because i haven't started practice yet. Currently a Masters degree student

------------------------------
Saviour Shedamang Aff.M.ASCE
Student
Zonkwa
------------------------------

From my experience, there are several kinds of mentorships that are beneficial to a career.

Some mentors may be someone that works outside of your direct line of work but with whom you share something else. For example, I've learned a lot from a female architect that has a similar personality to me. Since she works in the same industry, she has knowledge to share with me even if she can't share technical civil engineering knowledge with me. These kinds of mentors can often be found through networking events or mentorship matches from organizations like ASCE or AIA.

Some mentors are on your same career path but further along. I have had a couple mentors that have helped guide me, push me, and grow me as a professional and a person as I worked under and alongside them on projects. These kinds of mentors will often be people you meet at your job.

The most important thing to keep in mind when looking for a mentor is intentionality. Be intentional in your effort to find potential mentors. Tell them you'd like their guidance, ask them to share their experiences, etc.

------------------------------
Heidi C. Wallace, P.E., M.ASCE
Tulsa, OK
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-09-2021 02:04 AM
From: Saviour Shedamang
Subject: How does Mentorship work in the field of Civil Engineering?

To become succesful at anything in any field, the system of mentorship can not be excluded. The practice of Engineering  is a delicate one considering its impact on life, i think the success of any project in Civil Engineering is dependent on mentorship.

I'm curious on how this mentorship works because i haven't started practice yet. Currently a Masters degree student

------------------------------
Saviour Shedamang Aff.M.ASCE
Student
Zonkwa
------------------------------

wow! Thank you very much for sharing this

Diversity is important even in the system of mentorship
"The most important thing to keep in mind when looking for a mentor is intentionality. Be intentional in your effort to find potential mentors". Thank you these words

------------------------------
Saviour Shedamang Aff.M.ASCE
Student
Zonkwa
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2022 04:06 PM
From: Heidi Wallace
Subject: How does Mentorship work in the field of Civil Engineering?

From my experience, there are several kinds of mentorships that are beneficial to a career.

Some mentors may be someone that works outside of your direct line of work but with whom you share something else. For example, I've learned a lot from a female architect that has a similar personality to me. Since she works in the same industry, she has knowledge to share with me even if she can't share technical civil engineering knowledge with me. These kinds of mentors can often be found through networking events or mentorship matches from organizations like ASCE or AIA.

Some mentors are on your same career path but further along. I have had a couple mentors that have helped guide me, push me, and grow me as a professional and a person as I worked under and alongside them on projects. These kinds of mentors will often be people you meet at your job.

The most important thing to keep in mind when looking for a mentor is intentionality. Be intentional in your effort to find potential mentors. Tell them you'd like their guidance, ask them to share their experiences, etc.

------------------------------
Heidi C. Wallace, P.E., M.ASCE
Tulsa, OK

Original Message:
Sent: 11-09-2021 02:04 AM
From: Saviour Shedamang
Subject: How does Mentorship work in the field of Civil Engineering?

To become succesful at anything in any field, the system of mentorship can not be excluded. The practice of Engineering  is a delicate one considering its impact on life, i think the success of any project in Civil Engineering is dependent on mentorship.

I'm curious on how this mentorship works because i haven't started practice yet. Currently a Masters degree student

------------------------------
Saviour Shedamang Aff.M.ASCE
Student
Zonkwa
------------------------------

Thank you @Saviour Shedamang for starting this conversation. There have been some great insight shared on this thread. I wanted to to let you know we will be talking about mentorship during a virtual roundtable this Thursday, January 20th. You can register here. I'm looking forward to continuing the conversation. 

I hope you can join us! ​

------------------------------
Tirza Austin
Senior Manager, Online Community
American Society of Civil Engineers
1801 Alexander Bell Drive
Reston, VA 20191
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-09-2021 02:04 AM
From: Saviour Shedamang
Subject: How does Mentorship work in the field of Civil Engineering?

To become succesful at anything in any field, the system of mentorship can not be excluded. The practice of Engineering  is a delicate one considering its impact on life, i think the success of any project in Civil Engineering is dependent on mentorship.

I'm curious on how this mentorship works because i haven't started practice yet. Currently a Masters degree student

------------------------------
Saviour Shedamang Aff.M.ASCE
Student
Zonkwa
------------------------------

Oh great! Thank you very much for the invite. I will register and looking forward to learning more from the round table conversation

------------------------------
Saviour Shedamang Aff.M.ASCE
Student
Zonkwa
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-17-2022 11:13 AM
From: Tirza Austin
Subject: How does Mentorship work in the field of Civil Engineering?

Thank you @Saviour Shedamang for starting this conversation. There have been some great insight shared on this thread. I wanted to to let you know we will be talking about mentorship during a virtual roundtable this Thursday, January 20th. You can register here. I'm looking forward to continuing the conversation. 

I hope you can join us! ​

------------------------------
Tirza Austin
Senior Manager, Online Community
American Society of Civil Engineers
1801 Alexander Bell Drive
Reston, VA 20191

Original Message:
Sent: 11-09-2021 02:04 AM
From: Saviour Shedamang
Subject: How does Mentorship work in the field of Civil Engineering?

To become succesful at anything in any field, the system of mentorship can not be excluded. The practice of Engineering  is a delicate one considering its impact on life, i think the success of any project in Civil Engineering is dependent on mentorship.

I'm curious on how this mentorship works because i haven't started practice yet. Currently a Masters degree student

------------------------------
Saviour Shedamang Aff.M.ASCE
Student
Zonkwa
------------------------------