Professional and Career Topics

As civil engineers, we are constantly working on projects that are in various phases of a project's life cycle. Although I am not yet leading projects, I understand the importance of getting into the right frame of mind when starting a new task or project. I am much more productive when I am organized, so before I start a new project, I clean my desk off by scanning the hard copies of project information from closed out projects and filing those papers away. 

How do you get into the right frame of mind to do a big project? 

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Danielle Schroeder EIT, A.M.ASCE
Associate Engineer
Pennoni Associates
Philadelphia PA
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I try.  My goal most days is to clear my plate.  I typically have several items ongoing at once.  The overlap makes it difficult to reset for a new project.  If I do find myself between projects, there are a few things I like to do to prepare.

- clean my office, I am a global learner and my space typically reflects that
- clean my computer... my physical desktop and virtually desktop are typically in the same state
- change my desktop wallpaper!  sounds silly, but try it!  How long have you been staring at the same picture?!
- archive files
- start with fresh folders and templates
- take time to review the new contract documents
- figure out where your organizational efforts failed on your last project and try to improve and maintain them this time
- consider the design methods used on your last project and how to improve on them
- formulate questions on your new project
- leave your desk and talk to your colleagues!

There are likely many more steps!

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Chad Morrison P.E., M.ASCE
Professional Engineer
Greenville RI
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When I start a new project, I try to gain an understanding of how the project is structured. It helps me to catch my bearings, especially if I am joining a team post project kick-off. For me, this includes answering the following questions:

• What is the organizational chart for the project team?
• How does my individual role on the project connect to overall project goals?
• What is the anticipated schedule and budget for the project (and my specific task)?

Finding the answers to these questions helps me to get into the right frame of mind. For me, it goes right along with organizing my desk.  As Chad suggested, I also read the contract documents.  I like to speak with colleagues who have been working on the project before me as well.  It helps me to learn the real-time state of the project.  I'd also suggest that a younger engineer schedule time to chat with a Task Leader, Deputy Project Manager, or Project Manager for additional insight. You may walk away with a clearer picture of any project challenges (and the chance to think of potential solutions thereafter).

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Jameelah Ingram P.E., M.ASCE
Washington DC
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These are some great answers! ​As an update, the episode of Plot Points that covers this topic is live: https://news.asce.org/asce-plot-points-season-2-episode-3-find-yourself/ 

In this episode, Clint Martin talks about taking on the Appalachian Trail thru-hike for nearly six months in the woods before starting his first full-time civil engineering job - what a way to get in the right frame of mind! 

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Danielle Schroeder EIT, A.M.ASCE
Associate Engineer
Pennoni Associates
Philadelphia PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-15-2019 14:51
From: Jameelah Ingram
Subject: Frame of mind to start a new project

When I start a new project, I try to gain an understanding of how the project is structured. It helps me to catch my bearings, especially if I am joining a team post project kick-off. For me, this includes answering the following questions:

• What is the organizational chart for the project team?
• How does my individual role on the project connect to overall project goals?
• What is the anticipated schedule and budget for the project (and my specific task)?

Finding the answers to these questions helps me to get into the right frame of mind. For me, it goes right along with organizing my desk.  As Chad suggested, I also read the contract documents.  I like to speak with colleagues who have been working on the project before me as well.  It helps me to learn the real-time state of the project.  I'd also suggest that a younger engineer schedule time to chat with a Task Leader, Deputy Project Manager, or Project Manager for additional insight. You may walk away with a clearer picture of any project challenges (and the chance to think of potential solutions thereafter).

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