Neal T. Wright, P.E, PMP

F. SAME, F. ASCE

January 26, 2012

Mentoring the SAME Young Members of 2012

Today’s Thoughts Progressing Through YOUR Career

What is Your VisionVision?

Topics to Consider:The Nature of Our ProfessionEssential Standards and BehaviorsEssential CompetenciesTechnical Competence and CredentialsThe Role of Professional SocietiesReciprocal Mentoring and Giving Back

Challenges

Career ProgressionVIEWPOINTS:

The Society of American Military Engineers

The American Society of Civil Engineers

The Nature of a ProfessionProfession: a calling requiring specialized

knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation b : a principal calling, vocation, or employment c : the whole body of persons engaged in a calling

Profession - the body of people in a learned occupation; "the news spread rapidly through the medical profession"; "they formed a community of scientists"

Profession - an occupation requiring specialized education

The Engineering Profession

Definitions of Professional Engineer on the Web: Professional Engineer (see below for various

abbreviations) is the term for registered or licensed engineers in some countries who are permitted to offer their professional services directly to the public.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional Engineer

…has fulfilled the education and experience requirements, has passed the required exams and has then been authorized to sign off on design work, plans and/or official technical documentswww.peijoblink.ca/handbook/index_e.aspx

Registered Professional Engineer holding a current license in each state in which she or he conducts business.www.sbcindustry.com/terminology.php

Essential Standards and Behaviors

• Ethical Standards of the Engineer and the Profession of Arms are Similar• Ethical Basis and Imperative• The SAFETY of the Public is at Stake• The Ethical Imperative- Choose the Harder Right over

the Easier Wrong• Integrity and Honesty are Non-NegotiableNon-Negotiable

• Be a Person of Your Word• Develop a Reputation as the “Straight Shooter”

• Complex Projects Demand Teamwork• Show Respect and Appropriate Courtesies• A Positive Attitude and Cooperation go a long way

• Professional Appearance and Demeanor

Essential Competencies

Technical Competency- EIT, P.E., LEED,CCMPeople Skills- What is your EQ?Project Management- PMP, PgMPCommunications

AuthorSpeaker or Moderator

LeadershipFellow- Recognition by Your Peers for ExcellencePromotion to Positions of Responsibility

Technical Competence and Credentials

The Importance of CredentialsEstablishes a Basic Level of Technical

CompetenceDemonstrates Your Concern for ProfessionalismBuilds Credibility and Standing

Credentials for the Engineering CommunityPrimary Professional Registration-P.E., R.A, P.G.Secondary Certification- PMP, LEED, etc

Don’t Stand out in the Negative!

Engaging in Professional Societies

Join and Actively ParticipateProfessional: NSPE, AIATechnical: AIA, ASCE, SMPS, etc.Community of Practice: SAME, AWWA

The Benefit of Professional SocietiesPractice Leadership in a non-threatening settingDevelop Effective Communications- oral and writtenPractice Teamwork

Mentoring Today-Some Thoughts Guide words:“Teach, Coach and Mentor”- Shawn Howley, LTC (ret)

In Today’s Economy=>Your Job Security is in Your Skills Set.

Build Your Network- for yourself and to help others.

Reciprocal Mentoring-help the Technosaurus!

“There is nowhere to go and nothing to do except to be of service” from The Way of Adventure by Jeff Salz

ALWAYS-Help Others. Giving Back and Encourage Others. Show compassion- live your Faith and Convictions.Get New Graduates and Veterans in the door! Help those “In Transition.”

My Challenges to YOU

What is YOUR VISION of who YOU want to be in your Chosen Profession?

How Can YOU Be Prepared for the Next Opportunity to Come Over Your Horizon?

Will YOU be ready when ourour Nation calls?

For Further Discussion:

• NEAL WRIGHT, P.E., PMP, F.SAME, F. ASCE• Vice-President, Dewberry• nwright@dewberry.com