“Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.”
~Albert Einstein
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
How to Learn Revit Structure on your own
In recent newsletters, we have spoken about the importance of learning Revit Structure, and being knowledgeable with this software because your company may see this skill set as one that differentiates you from other engineers. If you are interested in learning Revit Structure on your own, Autodesk does have a 30 day trial of Revit Structure available here at no charge, and there are many companies that provide self-paced training documentation.
(If the link above does not work, cut and paste the URL below)
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=8447173
We attended Autodesk University 2008 in Las Vegas, and one key resource that we found is the ASCENT Center for Technical Knowledge. ASCENT has a Revit Structure 2009 Fundamentals course that is a very extensive training program for Revit Structure. This course is intended to be taught over 24 hours, and you can order a personal copy for a self-paced training opportunity. For approximately $81 you can receive the complete Instructor Kit, which includes the Instructor Notes, Student Guide, and Exercise Disk. Contact Ann-Marie Guadagno at (866) 527-2368 to place an order, and if you mention that you learned about ASCENT from SE Solutions, you can save $6 on your order.
(If the link above does not work, cut and paste the URL below)
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=8447173
We attended Autodesk University 2008 in Las Vegas, and one key resource that we found is the ASCENT Center for Technical Knowledge. ASCENT has a Revit Structure 2009 Fundamentals course that is a very extensive training program for Revit Structure. This course is intended to be taught over 24 hours, and you can order a personal copy for a self-paced training opportunity. For approximately $81 you can receive the complete Instructor Kit, which includes the Instructor Notes, Student Guide, and Exercise Disk. Contact Ann-Marie Guadagno at (866) 527-2368 to place an order, and if you mention that you learned about ASCENT from SE Solutions, you can save $6 on your order.
When should you get your PE (or SE)? The time is now!
Are you wondering when you should take the exam to get licensed as a PE or SE? The answer should be, as soon as you are able. Once you have completed the necessary work experience that your state requires, it is a good idea to put together your application for licensure. A link to a complete listing of state boards is available here.
(If the link above does not work, cut and paste the URL below)
http://www.ncees.org/licensure/licensing_boards/
Many engineering firms prefer to have all their engineers licensed as soon as possible, and in some cases, promotions or title changes occur only after the test has been passed. In this economy, where you might find yourself with less hours to work, now might be a good time to focus on taking and passing these exams.
Lisa’s Note: I just passed the PE (Civil) exam, ten years after graduation. I wish I had taken it earlier; as soon as I was able. I had more free time back then, and the studying wouldn’t have cut into family time. I’m glad that I finally filed all the paperwork, went to the review courses, studied on my own, and saw my “goal” completed. But it sure would have been nice to have this all out of the way 6 years ago!
(If the link above does not work, cut and paste the URL below)
http://www.ncees.org/licensure/licensing_boards/
Many engineering firms prefer to have all their engineers licensed as soon as possible, and in some cases, promotions or title changes occur only after the test has been passed. In this economy, where you might find yourself with less hours to work, now might be a good time to focus on taking and passing these exams.
Lisa’s Note: I just passed the PE (Civil) exam, ten years after graduation. I wish I had taken it earlier; as soon as I was able. I had more free time back then, and the studying wouldn’t have cut into family time. I’m glad that I finally filed all the paperwork, went to the review courses, studied on my own, and saw my “goal” completed. But it sure would have been nice to have this all out of the way 6 years ago!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Quote of the Week, November 10, 2008
“Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.”
~Blaise Pascal
~Blaise Pascal
View NCSEA Presentation Documents
If you were unable to attend the NCSEA Annual Conference, the powerpoint presentations are now available
The NCSEA Annual Conference was held October 23-25 in Cleveland, OH, Topics included “Midrise Construction with Cold Formed Steel”, “Engineering Green Buildings”, and a “Concrete Roundtable Discussion”.
If you were unable to attend the conference, NCSEA has made the PowerPoint presentations for most speakers available online. Click here to view the topics from the 2008 conference, and choose the presentations you wish to download.
From this link, you can also navigate to a list of session from 2007, which are also available to download at no charge.
(If the above link does not work, cut and paste the URL below)
http://www.ncsea.com/AnnualConferences/2008.aspx
The NCSEA Annual Conference was held October 23-25 in Cleveland, OH, Topics included “Midrise Construction with Cold Formed Steel”, “Engineering Green Buildings”, and a “Concrete Roundtable Discussion”.
If you were unable to attend the conference, NCSEA has made the PowerPoint presentations for most speakers available online. Click here to view the topics from the 2008 conference, and choose the presentations you wish to download.
From this link, you can also navigate to a list of session from 2007, which are also available to download at no charge.
(If the above link does not work, cut and paste the URL below)
http://www.ncsea.com/AnnualConferences/2008.aspx
Make the (Phone) call
Emails are valuable, but Phone Calls are priceless
When faced with a difficult conversation, a phone call should always be the first method of contact
It’s hard to avoid email in today’s world. It easier to jot off a quick note via email or instant messenger than it is to pick up the phone and make a call. Email is immediate, and oftentimes a colleague or supervisor might have access to their email even if they can’t answer their phone.
Having said that, there are times when a phone call is just what is needed to solve a problem. Have you ever gone back and forth with someone through email, only to find that you are having trouble understanding exactly what is being asked? In making a phone call, often the misunderstanding can be resolved in one minute or less.
People appreciate being able to talk to a live person. Email can be impersonal, and open to interpretation. Represent your company well by making a call the next time a client sends you a question by email. Follow up with an email confirming your understanding of the situation, but make that first contact over the phone.
So, the next time find yourself going back and forth with a client or colleague by email, pick up the phone and make a call. And then, let us know if you see a different reaction from the person you said it to. We want to hear from you after you try this – e-mail Lisa at Lisa.Willard@FindYourEngineer.com.
When faced with a difficult conversation, a phone call should always be the first method of contact
It’s hard to avoid email in today’s world. It easier to jot off a quick note via email or instant messenger than it is to pick up the phone and make a call. Email is immediate, and oftentimes a colleague or supervisor might have access to their email even if they can’t answer their phone.
Having said that, there are times when a phone call is just what is needed to solve a problem. Have you ever gone back and forth with someone through email, only to find that you are having trouble understanding exactly what is being asked? In making a phone call, often the misunderstanding can be resolved in one minute or less.
People appreciate being able to talk to a live person. Email can be impersonal, and open to interpretation. Represent your company well by making a call the next time a client sends you a question by email. Follow up with an email confirming your understanding of the situation, but make that first contact over the phone.
So, the next time find yourself going back and forth with a client or colleague by email, pick up the phone and make a call. And then, let us know if you see a different reaction from the person you said it to. We want to hear from you after you try this – e-mail Lisa at Lisa.Willard@FindYourEngineer.com.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Quote of the Week, October 14, 2008
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.”
~Edward Everett Hale
~Edward Everett Hale
Have you watched any of the NASCC Sessions yet?
In our last version of this newsletter, I encouraged you to go to AISC’s website and start watching some of the sessions from last year’s Steel Conference (NASCC) in Nashville (and give up an hour or two of TV a week). Have you been able to watch any yet? I realize most people’s lives are incredibly busy, but this is a great opportunity to learn at no cost at a time that works best for you.
There are a lot of sessions to pick from, so I thought I would make your life easier and pick one for you to watch before our next newsletter. Scott Melnick, the editor of Modern Steel Construction mentions this is one of his favorites. It is Duane Miller from Lincoln Electric on the topic if “Important Lessons they didn’t teach me in College (Or at least I don’t think they did).” This presentation consists of ten technical questions and ten managerial lessons they didn’t teach in college. I really enjoyed Duane’s talk and I hope you do as well.
Click here to watch Duane Miller’s “Important Lessons they didn’t teach me in College (Or at least I don’t think they did).” (number X4)
I would like to hear your feedback about what you thought of this session. Please e-mail me at Brian.Quinn@FindYourEngineer.com.
Click here to view the entire list of seminars.
(If the link for Duane’s talk does not work, cut and paste the URL below)
http://www.aisc.org/CustomSource/2008nasccsessions/X4/default.htm
There are a lot of sessions to pick from, so I thought I would make your life easier and pick one for you to watch before our next newsletter. Scott Melnick, the editor of Modern Steel Construction mentions this is one of his favorites. It is Duane Miller from Lincoln Electric on the topic if “Important Lessons they didn’t teach me in College (Or at least I don’t think they did).” This presentation consists of ten technical questions and ten managerial lessons they didn’t teach in college. I really enjoyed Duane’s talk and I hope you do as well.
Click here to watch Duane Miller’s “Important Lessons they didn’t teach me in College (Or at least I don’t think they did).” (number X4)
I would like to hear your feedback about what you thought of this session. Please e-mail me at Brian.Quinn@FindYourEngineer.com.
Click here to view the entire list of seminars.
(If the link for Duane’s talk does not work, cut and paste the URL below)
http://www.aisc.org/CustomSource/2008nasccsessions/X4/default.htm
Building Information Modeling – Who Uses the Software? Is it Engineers, Drafters, or both?
As a structural engineer, have you thought about learning how to use a BIM Modeling tool such as Revit Structure? Or have you been told that only drafters are using these programs? As Building Information Modeling gets a bigger foothold in the structural engineering industry, structural engineers with a passion for BIM technology will likely be able to play a key role at their companies in the successful implementation of these tools.
Lisa recently spoke about interoperability between Structural Analysis & Design software and BIM Modeling software at the Structural Engineers of Southern California monthly meeting. There was a discussion about whether Engineers or Drafters are better suited to operate the BIM Modeling programs, with different companies using primarily Engineers, and other primarily Drafters. One company felt that engineers were able to learn the program more quickly because of their previous experience with analysis & design software, and the “modeling” vs. “drawing” that those programs require.
It may be in your best interest to learn Revit Structure, as companies will be looking for engineers with that experience to play a key role in their business. Revit Structure includes tutorial manuals shipped with the program, and there are resellers across the country that can help identify the best methods to learn the program.
Who are the biggest users of BIM Modeling tools in your office? Are they Engineers or Drafters? Please email Lisa at Lisa.Willard@FindYourEngineer.com and let us know how you have implemented BIM Modeling tools in your office.
Lisa recently spoke about interoperability between Structural Analysis & Design software and BIM Modeling software at the Structural Engineers of Southern California monthly meeting. There was a discussion about whether Engineers or Drafters are better suited to operate the BIM Modeling programs, with different companies using primarily Engineers, and other primarily Drafters. One company felt that engineers were able to learn the program more quickly because of their previous experience with analysis & design software, and the “modeling” vs. “drawing” that those programs require.
It may be in your best interest to learn Revit Structure, as companies will be looking for engineers with that experience to play a key role in their business. Revit Structure includes tutorial manuals shipped with the program, and there are resellers across the country that can help identify the best methods to learn the program.
Who are the biggest users of BIM Modeling tools in your office? Are they Engineers or Drafters? Please email Lisa at Lisa.Willard@FindYourEngineer.com and let us know how you have implemented BIM Modeling tools in your office.
Learn to say what you CAN do!
Always find ways to express what you CAN or WILL do versus what you CAN’T or WON’T do.
Most people are constantly faced with others telling them what they CAN’T do without being provided any alternate solutions to the problem. This can be quite frustrating to the person who hears it (whether or not it’s an employer, spouse, parent, etc.). Think about how much nicer it is to hear about what you CAN do!
For example, instead of saying…
“I can’t make it to the office until 10:30 tomorrow because I have to take the dog to the vet.” (CAN’T DO ATTITUDE)
Say…
“My pet is ill and I would really like to take them to the vet tomorrow. I will work late and make sure this doesn’t impact our project schedule if I could come in at 10:30 am after the appointment. Would that be ok?” (CAN DO ATTITUDE)
OR, some other examples of positive things you can say to your managers might include…
“How else could I help the company achieve its goals?”
“I’m finished with the 2nd floor framing plan, what can I do to help out now?”
So, the next time you catch yourself saying to someone what you CAN’T do, stop yourself and express what you CAN do. And then, let us know if you see a different reaction from the person you said it to. We want to hear from you after you try this – e-mail Brian at Brian.Quinn@FindYourEngineer.com.
Most people are constantly faced with others telling them what they CAN’T do without being provided any alternate solutions to the problem. This can be quite frustrating to the person who hears it (whether or not it’s an employer, spouse, parent, etc.). Think about how much nicer it is to hear about what you CAN do!
For example, instead of saying…
“I can’t make it to the office until 10:30 tomorrow because I have to take the dog to the vet.” (CAN’T DO ATTITUDE)
Say…
“My pet is ill and I would really like to take them to the vet tomorrow. I will work late and make sure this doesn’t impact our project schedule if I could come in at 10:30 am after the appointment. Would that be ok?” (CAN DO ATTITUDE)
OR, some other examples of positive things you can say to your managers might include…
“How else could I help the company achieve its goals?”
“I’m finished with the 2nd floor framing plan, what can I do to help out now?”
So, the next time you catch yourself saying to someone what you CAN’T do, stop yourself and express what you CAN do. And then, let us know if you see a different reaction from the person you said it to. We want to hear from you after you try this – e-mail Brian at Brian.Quinn@FindYourEngineer.com.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Quote of the Week - September 16th, 2008
“Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.”
~Oliver Wendell Holmes
~Oliver Wendell Holmes
NASCC Sessions Now Available on-line at no charge!
Looking for a GREAT way to Learn at ANY time of Day and at NO cost?
NASCC Sessions Now Available on-line at no charge!
AISC recorded many of the sessions from last year’s North American Steel Construction Conference (NASCC) and has them available to watch at no charge. Imagine taking just 2 days a week and replacing an hour of TV with watching an hour of these sessions. You will gain a lot more knowledge this way and do something proactive towards advancing your career!
Click here to pick a topic and watch one tonight! You can even make popcorn!
(If the link above does not work, cut and paste the url below) http://www.aisc.org/Content/ContentGroups/Documents/2008_NASCC_Sessions/2008_NASCC_Sessions.htm
NASCC Sessions Now Available on-line at no charge!
AISC recorded many of the sessions from last year’s North American Steel Construction Conference (NASCC) and has them available to watch at no charge. Imagine taking just 2 days a week and replacing an hour of TV with watching an hour of these sessions. You will gain a lot more knowledge this way and do something proactive towards advancing your career!
Click here to pick a topic and watch one tonight! You can even make popcorn!
(If the link above does not work, cut and paste the url below) http://www.aisc.org/Content/ContentGroups/Documents/2008_NASCC_Sessions/2008_NASCC_Sessions.htm
Autodesk/Bentley Announcement
Autodesk and Bentley announce agreement to increase Interoperability!
Read the press release from Bentley's website. What does this mean to structural engineers? We will comment on this in future newsletters.
(If the link above does not work, cut and paste the URL below)
http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Corporate/News/Interoperability+Agreement/Autodesk+Bentley+Agreement.htm
Read the press release from Bentley's website. What does this mean to structural engineers? We will comment on this in future newsletters.
(If the link above does not work, cut and paste the URL below)
http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Corporate/News/Interoperability+Agreement/Autodesk+Bentley+Agreement.htm
Increase the Value you Provide to your Company
How Can I Increase the Value I provide to my company without working more Hours?
Remember the famous John F. Kennedy speech, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what YOU can do for your country.” Well the same holds true for employees looking to increase the value they provide to their company and thereby be rewarded with increased compensation or benefits.
Step 1 – Always have a positive “can do” attitude such that you consistently look at the positive side of life and look at ways to improve any circumstance you are in.
Recommendation –Read & Study the following book. “Jeffrey Gitomer’s Little Gold Book of YES! Attitude”. You can find it at Amazon.com (about $14.00; buy one for a colleague also so you can get the free shipping). This book has definitely helped me and I hope it helps you. (after you read it and start implementing some of these ideas, please let us know how it has impacted your life)
Remember the famous John F. Kennedy speech, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what YOU can do for your country.” Well the same holds true for employees looking to increase the value they provide to their company and thereby be rewarded with increased compensation or benefits.
Step 1 – Always have a positive “can do” attitude such that you consistently look at the positive side of life and look at ways to improve any circumstance you are in.
Recommendation –Read & Study the following book. “Jeffrey Gitomer’s Little Gold Book of YES! Attitude”. You can find it at Amazon.com (about $14.00; buy one for a colleague also so you can get the free shipping). This book has definitely helped me and I hope it helps you. (after you read it and start implementing some of these ideas, please let us know how it has impacted your life)
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