How to write effective and convincing proposals

As an engineer you will at one point be required to write proposals. These documents might be RFPs, contract negotiation or request for financing for a project. Whichever one you might be tasked with writing, you should be concise and cover all the pertinent details. This guide provides several tips on how you should approach [...]

7 tips on how to conduct a successful technical presentation

For most of us, technical presentations have been a challenge since college. Others still get sweaty palms and every time they have to give technical presentation. This is absolutely normal and as in anything else in life, your skills can be enhanced through proper practice. The following list provides some simple principles that will help [...]

The Cost Of Finding A Job In The A/E/P Industry

This week I received a call from a candidate/ job seeker.  A senior manager in the A/E community, he told me about the increasing costs associated with his job search. He was asked by an engineering firm if he could drive 5 hours (one way), at his own expense, to their corporate office for an [...]

Career Goals: Don’t Sell Yourself Short!

I have said in the past that it is extremely important to have career goals, which act as a destination for where you are taking your career. It is important when setting your goals, to take the time to figure out exactly what you want, nothing more, and nothing less.
Clearly defining your goal is [...]

14 Grand Challenges engineers will have to address

What should be done now and in the near future to ensure that the basic needs for water, sanitation, nutrition, health, safety, and meaningful work are fulfilled for all humans?

7 tips on how to work well in a team environment

In today’s fast paced world, you will hardly find any job within an engineering organization that requires you to work individually. When you work in a team, it is important to know that the success of your team translates to your overall success. It may not be easy to work in team, especially when the [...]

Brain Teaser – An 8-inch model screw

An 8-inch model screw, tested in a water tunnel at a rotational speed of 22.5 revolutions per second and a velocity of flow of 12 feet per second, yields a measured thrust of 28.5 pounds, a torque of 3.45 pounds and an efficiency of 70 per cent.
If the model scale is 1:25, what should be [...]

How to effectively manage an engineering design team

The design phase of an engineering project is usually the most complex and crucial portion of any engineering project. Effective management of the personnel and resources is important in making sure that the project is completed within budget and in a timely fashion.
» 1. Personnel
» 2. Roles
» 3. Motivation
» 4. Communication
» 5. Progress Monitoring
» 6. Feedback

Top 10 most impressive engineering projects

List of our Top 5 most impressive engineering projects.
Recap:
» 10.Moon Landing
» 9. Panama Canal
» 8. Burj Dubai
» 7. Millau Viaduct
» 6. The Channel Tunnel

Brain Teaser – Determine the code to open the briefcase

Doug had forgotten the 5 digit code to his briefcase. However, he did remember five clues:

The fifth number plus the third number equals fourteen;
The fourth number is one more than the second number;
The first number is one less than twice the second number;
The second number plus the third number equals ten; and
The sum of all [...]

Tips on successful networking

Networking is all about nurturing productive relationships. This guide shows you how to.

» 1. No Assumptions
» 2. Relax
» 3. Listen
» 4. Find a common interest
» 5. Be Impressive
» 6. Make a graceful exit
» 7. Follow through
» 8. Personal Touch
» 9. Harvest
» 10. Become a resource

World’s Tallest Building Opens -How Tall Is Too Tall?

The Burj Dubai – Arabic for Dubai Tower – opened on Jan. 4, at a supposed height of 2,717 feet. Construction began on September 21, 2004, with the exterior of the structure completed on October 1, 2009.
Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, LLP (Chicago) are listed as the architect and engineer of record. Bill Baker, the Chief Structural [...]

Video: An introduction to LEED

Quick overview of LEED, the LEED certification process, and the LEED exams. Great explanation if you’re not already a LEED expert.

10 essential networking tips

An insightful list of 10 often-overlooked networking basics. A must for job seekers and serious-minded professionals looking to cultivate long-lasting and productive relationships.

Top 10 remarkable engineers of all time

TOP 5 most remarkable engineers.
Their contributions were noble and genius without which mankind would not have turned out the way it did.

Are You Delaying Taking the P.E. Test or Getting Another Certification….Why?

A helpful article by a Certified Professional Career Development Coach which gives tips on how to overcome “blocks” that lead you to postpone moving forward on getting your PE or LEED certification.

What it takes to be an international engineering company: An introductory guide

A how-to guide for companies pursuing international opportunities. The article provides suggestions that companies should consider before they venture into different territories outside of their home base.