In this episode, we explore how engineers can get better at giving and receiving feedback at work. We share real stories about both successes and failures in our careers, showing how feedback helped us grow. Our hosts share their personal experiences and the lessons they learned along the way. You'll learn practical tips and examples that will help you handle feedback better in your engineering career. Whether you've been an engineer for years or are just starting out, this episode will help you use feedback to become better at your job.

"Feedback is a two-way street - both giving and receiving require practice."

Timeline:

00:00:00 - Welcome and introduction 00:00:14 - Discussion about new team member and handling feedback 00:01:52 - Addressing negative feedback and learning from mistakes 00:04:30 - Personal experience with feedback struggles 00:09:00 - Importance of owning mistakes and team leadership 00:17:00 - Creating psychological safety in teams 00:23:00 - Role of engineers in society and responsibility 00:26:00 - Supervisors' role in feedback culture 00:30:31 - Episode summary and key takeaways

Watch it: https://youtu.be/MJuYVeoxZh8

Lessons and Takeaways

Start tracking feedback: Begin a feedback journal to document both positive and negative feedback you receive. Reflect on it regularly to identify patterns and areas for growth.

Practice active listening: During your next feedback session, focus on truly understanding the other person's perspective without interrupting. Summarize their points to ensure clarity.

Create a safe environment: Build trust in your team by fostering psychological safety where everyone feels comfortable sharing honest feedback without fear.

Own your mistakes: When receiving feedback about errors, take responsibility and outline clear steps to prevent similar issues in the future.

Adopt the "we" mindset: Frame feedback in a collaborative way by focusing on team solutions and shared goals rather than assigning blame.

"Take time to process feedback before responding."

Take Action:

Start a feedback journal this week

Practice active listening in your next feedback session

Schedule regular reflection time for both successes and areas for improvement

Links and References

Master Your End-of-Year Goal Planning: A Guide for Engineering Professionals

In this powerful episode on end-of-year goal planning, we dive deep into a four-step framework that transforms abstract ambitions into achievable outcomes. Join us as we explore how to create meaningful goals that align with your life's mission while maintaining the flexibility to adapt as circumstances change.

Key Topics Discussed:

[00:00:14] Introduction to goal setting and reflection on 2024

[00:03:01] The importance of celebrating progress

[00:08:00] Framework for identifying meaningful goals

[00:15:03] Understanding and bridging gaps in goal achievement

[00:20:46] Creating an effective game plan

Lessons Learned

Simplicity is key - complex systems often lead to abandonment

Goals should have emotional resonance to maintain momentum

Regular review and adjustment periods are crucial for long-term success

The power of "just-in-time" goal setting for maintaining relevance

Main Takeaways

"Even if I did 80% of the goal and still failed, 80% is a lot." - This powerful quote reminds us that progress, not perfection, should be our focus.

The four-step framework:

Celebrate Progress

Identify Goals

Analyze Gaps

Create Game Plan

Take Action

Start your "wins folder" today - create a dedicated space for tracking achievements

Define your life categories and identify one goal for each

Schedule monthly review sessions for 2025 to maintain momentum

Keep it simple - begin with no more than three concurrent goals

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of internships in engineering, exploring why they are crucial for career success. Fresh from experiences at the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers convention, where thousands of students competed for opportunities, Nicolai shares invaluable insights about landing that first internship. From the shocking statistic that recruiters spend only 6 seconds reviewing each resume, to practical strategies like using company keywords and building an online presence, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

You'll discover why any work experience - even cleaning dorms or working as a quality control technician - can be valuable for professional development. The hosts discuss the significant difference between student and professional mindsets, and how internships help bridge this gap. Plus, learn how networking through internships can lead directly to job offers, as demonstrated by real success stories from the hosts' experiences.

Whether you're a student looking for your first internship or a professional seeking to understand the value of internship programs, this conversation offers practical tips, personal experiences, and proven strategies for standing out in today's competitive engineering job market.

Lessons Learned

Internships are a critical differentiator in job applications - "I still was at such an advantage with having those four years of internships"

Any work experience is valuable - from cleaning dorms to quality control technician, all jobs teach professional skills

The transition from student to professional mindset is significant - "Being a worker and being a student are very different"

Network building through internships can lead directly to job offers - as demonstrated by one host's experience getting hired through a previous internship connection

Main Takeaways

Recruiters spend an average of just 6 seconds reviewing each resume - making first impressions critical

Having internship experience significantly increases chances of getting hired full-time

Different types of internships can help identify preferred career paths - "it helped me focus on what discipline I actually wanted to do"

Professional skills developed during any job are transferable and valuable

Take Action

Create a standout resume with keywords from company websites

Develop an online presence through LinkedIn and personal websites

Be proactive in reaching out - "Just find a phone and call the front desk"

Apply the five-hour rule during internships - spend one hour each day learning about your field

Attend industry conventions and career fairs

Join professional organizations like ASCE and Engineers Without Borders

In this episode, we dive deep into essential money principles with financial coach Nicolai, exploring practical strategies for managing finances as young professionals. The conversation centers around the fundamental of personal finance including simple tips to get you started such as the 50-30-20 rule of budgeting, where 50% goes to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings.

"Learn how to optimize your financial systems with real-world advice for engineers at every career stage."

Key themes include:

The importance of emergency funds

Strategic use of sinking funds for predictable expenses like car maintenance, holidays, and home repairs

Housing costs management

The psychology of credit card use and responsible travel hacking

Nicolai shares his personal journey from financial struggles to becoming a financial coach, while Luis discusses his family's current approach to budgeting, including managing travel expenses and planning for a growing family. Both hosts emphasize the importance of having clear financial priorities and maintaining discipline in spending.

The episode provides practical insights for engineers looking to optimize their financial systems, whether they're just starting their careers or looking to refine their existing financial strategies.

Big thank you to the podcast partners for making this episode possible

PPI: https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/PPI2Pass

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In this week's episode of Engineering our Future, we're diving deep into a question that's on the minds of many engineers and professionals: What's the real difference between working at a small versus big firms? Join Luis and Nicolai as they unpack this complex topic.

Whether you're a recent graduate weighing your options or a seasoned pro considering a change, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate your career path.

Key questions we'll explore:

* How does company size impact your day-to-day work and long-term career trajectory?

* What are the hidden advantages - and potential pitfalls - of both small and large firms?

* How can you leverage the unique opportunities in each environment to accelerate your professional growth?

"Engineering is not just about building structures; it's about constructing a fulfilling career."

Drawing from their own experiences transitioning between different sized companies, Luis and Nikolai offer candid reflections and practical advice. They'll challenge you to think critically about what you truly value in your work environment and how to align your career choices with your personal and professional goals.

"Your career choices should reflect your values and professional goals."

Whether you're team "small firm energy" or dreaming of big corporate resources, this episode promises to broaden your perspective and equip you with the insights you need to make informed decisions about your engineering future. Tune in, and let's engineer not just structures, but careers built to last.

"Understanding the dynamics of small versus large firms can redefine your engineering career."

Lessons and Takeaways

* Evaluate how company size aligns with your career goals and values to make informed decisions.

* Identify the unique opportunities available at both small and large firms to enhance your professional growth.

* Consider the long-term impact of daily work environment differences when choosing between company sizes.

* Be aware of the hidden advantages and potential pitfalls of both small and large firms to navigate your career path effectively.

* Reflect on your personal priorities to ensure your career choices align with what you value most in a work environment.

Links and References

* Share your feedback on this form: Social Media Request

We are back after a short break from the Podcast after a much needed personal time off.

Today I bring you a conversation I had with Katelyn Rosier.

She is a passionate advocate for empowering individuals and firms within the dynamic Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Through mentorDINO, the platform she has built, Katelyn fosters professional development and knowledge sharing, helping AEC professionals reach their full potential.

Understanding the unique pressures faced by those in AEC – tight deadlines, juggling responsibilities, and the constant need to stay relevant – Katelyn identified a crucial gap. This realization fueled the creation of mentorDINO, offering a comprehensive range of resources designed to bridge the gap between technical expertise and the essential human skills needed for AEC success.

Courses, workshops, and free content address core areas like effective communication, teamwork, delegation, and stress management. In a field where clear and concise articulation of ideas, both verbally and in writing, is paramount, mentorDINO equips professionals with communication strategies that ensure successful collaboration across all levels, from team members to clients.

Recognizing collaboration as the cornerstone of successful AEC projects, Katelyn ensures mentorDINO offers resources that equip professionals with the skills to build strong, collaborative teams. These resources focus on leveraging diverse expertise and fostering a positive work environment.

Delegation, another often-overlooked skill, is crucial for managing heavy workloads and meeting deadlines. MentorDINO offers guidance on delegating tasks appropriately, empowering team members, and ensuring accountability.

The fast-paced nature of AEC projects can be highly stressful. Katelyn understands this, and that's why mentorDINO provides tools and techniques to manage stress effectively, promoting well-being and fostering a productive work environment.

Beyond core areas, mentorDINO stays current with the evolving needs of the AEC industry. Katelyn's commitment extends to continuous exploration and integration of new topics and trends, ensuring the platform's offerings remain relevant and impactful.

Katelyn goes beyond providing resources. She believes in fostering a supportive community within the AEC industry. Through mentorDINO, she connects professionals, offering them a platform to share experiences, learn from each other, and grow together.

Whether you're an architect yearning to hone communication skills, an engineer seeking to optimize team dynamics, or a construction manager navigating delegation challenges, mentorDINO is here to support you. Katelyn, through mentorDINO, champions lifelong learning and equips AEC professionals with the tools and strategies they need to navigate the exciting and ever-changing world of their industry.

Connect with Katelyn and the mentorDINO community and embark on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself within the AEC industry.

In the ever-evolving field of engineering, the distinction between engineering success and stagnation often hinges on our approach to goal setting. In countless discussions with Nicolai, and after delving into Ali Abdaal's "Feel Good Productivity," I've come to appreciate the profound impact of CLEAR goals on fostering continual growth and improvement.

Today, let's explore the nuanced art of effective goal setting through two compelling methodologies: SMART and CLEAR goals. Whether you're embarking on intricate projects or laying the groundwork at the onset of your career, a deep understanding of these strategies can radically enhance your trajectory towards your objectives.

So, what sets SMART and CLEAR goals apart, you might wonder?

I perceive SMART goals as the compass for focused navigation—the destination is distinct, and the outcomes are measurable. On the flip side, CLEAR goals act as the wind beneath the wings of perpetual betterment—a catalyst for ongoing enhancement and adaptation.

SMART Goals: The Blueprint for Success

* Specific: Articulate your aspirations with unequivocal precision.

* Measurable: Craft objectives that lend themselves to tangible assessment.

* Achievable: Embrace goals that are within reach, yet challenge you to stretch your capabilities.

* Relevant: Ensure that your goals resonate with your overarching life and career visions.

* Time-bound: Anchor your ambitions to a timeline, instilling a sense of urgency and momentum.

CLEAR Goals: Charting the Course in a Dynamic Engineering Landscape

* Collaborative: Champion the spirit of teamwork and mutual endeavor.

* Limited: Draw clear demarcations around your focus areas, ensuring concentrated efforts.

* Emotional: Weave your passions and core motivations into the fabric of your goals.

* Appreciable: Dissect grand visions into smaller, actionable milestones.

* Refinable: Retain the agility to pivot and refine your goals in response to new insights and circumstances.

While they share common ground, each methodology bears its distinctive merits. As we unravel in our podcast episode, there's no singular path to follow. The art lies in tailoring your approach to the goal at hand or blending these methodologies to forge a path marked by phases or milestones.

Concluding Thoughts: Engineering Your Path to Triumph

In the realm of engineering, where innovation intersects with precision, the way we set goals can illuminate the path to success or cast shadows of stagnation. Let's embrace the structured clarity of SMART goals to map our journey with precision, and harness the adaptive fluidity of CLEAR goals to navigate the ever-changing landscapes of our endeavors. By weaving these methodologies into the tapestry of our goal-setting practices, we don't just aim for targets—we cultivate a mindset geared towards continuous growth and relentless pursuit of excellence.

As you stand at the threshold of your next engineering challenge, remember: the power to mold your future and engineer a legacy of success lies in the goals you set today. So, set them wisely, embrace the journey with fervor, and let each step forward be a testament to your commitment to excellence and innovation.