Hello Susanne,
Thank you for your post about SEI. I have a story to share with you.
When I started my career in Chicago, Illinois, the ASCE Illinois Section had a Structural Group. My coworker was a member of the core committee and she encouraged me to join. The Structural Group needed someone to focus on growing their scholarship program for college students. (The same student was applying for it from year to year.) This was my initial role. Over the years, our Structural Group converted to a Structural Engineering Institute (SEI-IL). I eventually progressed in my roles and served as Chair.
Along the way, I met some wonderful colleagues, heard some great presentations, and watched students grow from college to starting their careers. I was also able to grow my own leadership skills, as well as my professional network. Through ASCE SEI, I had an opportunity to coordinate a series of lectures with government clients and technical professionals. Thankfully, I was able to tell my story to ASCE in my application for the ASCE New Faces Program. I am sure that involvement in ASCE SEI helped me to achieve this goal. I was able to start a network on the east coast (where I now reside) due to the people I met nationally as well.
I am very grateful to ASCE SEI and especially my coworker, Zaida Morillo, for her nudge to join the organization years ago!
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Jameelah Ingram P.E., M.ASCE
Washington, D.C.
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-14-2020 15:46
From: Shuxian Wassenius
Subject: Looking for Opportunities to be More Active in SEI and Better Your Profession this New Year?
Are you looking to be more active in SEI/ASCE and better your profession this new year? Did you know there are more than 60 SEI Chapters in the US, and now Israel and Mexico - affiliated with their ASCE Section/Branch?
See the following website to find a local SEI professional and graduate student chapter to get involved with SEI.
www.asce.org/SEILocal
Chapters serve technical, professional, networking needs for SEI members locally through various events and outreach activities. Grad Student Chapters provide connection and involvement for successful transition from student to career.
I would like to invite you to share your thoughts in this conversation on how being involved in SEI/ASCE has changed your professional life and encourage other members to get involved.
Let me be the first to share. I started to get involved in SEI 10 years ago. At first, it was just out of curiosity of what SEI is all about. Then as I started to attend my local SEI-MD meetings and being around other engineers who share the same common interests, I find myself loving what I do and my profession. My work is no longer work. It was a challenge to elevate what an important profession I am representing. Being involved with SEI has not only helped me to be a better structural engineer but also advanced my leadership and interpersonal skills.
Share your story here!
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Susanne Wassenius, P.E. M. ASCE
SEI LAD ExCom Chair
Abingdon MD
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