Charting a Star’s Path By Ezequiel Tovar
you stand for? Why are you different? On every project you work on, the client needs to know the answer to those questions through interacting with you. Checking Up on People This is one of the easiest things you can do, but few people rarely do it. Checking up on coworkers and clients elevates your relationship with them and demonstrates that you care. Stop reading this right now and reach out to someone who you have been meaning to talk to! We know that everyone is bombarded with so much work, but that is not a valid excuse for reaching out. Give yourself a couple minutes to send an email or call someone up-that’s all it takes. The professional service industry is about relationships. Never forget that. Seek Out Mentors Mentorship is a valuable tool for professional development, and having a mentor or role model can help you navigate the challenges of your profession and achieve your goals. Having a good mentor takes you out of the daily tasks and helps you focus on the present and future. Soak up as much as you can. Develop Business Acumen This is where I see a lot of need for in the AEC industry. You may an- swer by saying that you went to school for engineering, architecture, etc. But the fact is that you work for a business and knowing the dif- ferent financial components on how your firm makes money is crucial for your competitive advantage. I have observed firm owners who run firms love the technical work but disregard the business side of their firm. It’s like driving a manual transmission car. The engine is what gets the car from one place to another, but the driver is the one that shifts gears at the right time (the financial side). The more you get ac - quainted with knowing the financials of the whole firm, the better pre - pared you are. It engages you in the long-term planning of your firm’s future. Project managers are able to function on a project-by-project basis. They know that it must be on time and on budget. Now apply it on a broader scale. Like a Russian nesting doll, every business has dif- ferent layers–such as geographical, market sector, etc.–but ultimately, these components make up one entity. Think Like an Owner If you do things that are outside your job description, slowly but surely you will be recognized. Cultivating a more active mindset will help you engage with your coworkers in critical discussions and functions. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health The AEC industry can be a high-stress profession, and it is important to take care of your mental and physical health to avoid burnout and stay healthy and productive. Take care of your mental health by cultivating and maintaining hobbies. Take care of your physical health by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, going outside, and getting regular exercise. Having a good support system from friends and family helps a lot as well. Give Back to the Community The Design profession has a significant positive impact on society. Giv -
The AEC industry is a fascinating and constantly evolving field, and it offers numerous opportunities for young professionals to make a significant impact on society. This year’s class of Rising Stars is yet again filled with examples of young professionals achieving success throughout the many facets of the AEC industry, making their own mark on our industry. Key among these stories is a shared dedication to moving the industry forward. For other young professionals who are looking to impact the AEC industry in their own way, these Rising Stars provide a framework for their own success. Here are some of the lessons that can be learned from this year’s Rising Stars: Develop Your Leadership Skills Leadership skills are essential in the professional services industry. We sell people’s time and expertise. That is why managing people is a crucial skill. Nearly all of us have experienced the gap between technical skill and leadership skills. Developing leadership skills in- volves learning to motivate and inspire others, combining trust and collaboration, delegating tasks effectively, and making strategic deci- sions that benefit your firm. A leader is someone who is open-minded yet consistent in culture, values, and mission. They are someone who brings the best in others and has the drive and ability to serve their clients better every time. Build Your Communication Skills Effective communication is essential in any profession, but it is partic- ularly critical to the AEC space. We work on complex projects that in - volve multiple stakeholders, and effective communication is essential to ensure that everyone is on the same page. A great communicator is a great asset to any firm. You may be the most competent design profes - sional out there, but if you don’t know how to communicate appropri- ately, you will be perceived as incompetent. To develop your commu- nication skills, practice presenting technical information in a clear and concise manner. Learn to communicate complex ideas in simple lan- guage that is easy for non-technical individuals to understand. Clarity is key for communication, but as well, if you don’t understand peoples’ needs, then you won’t be able to get through to them. Cultivate a Network through Business Development A strong network can help you stay up to date with industry trends, pro- vide you with job opportunities, and offer support and guidance when you need it. It also allows you to win work for your firm. Those that produce the most get promoted. Get out there and meet people! Make contacts and turn them into clients. Show initiative and attend indus- try conferences and events, join professional associations, and connect
with other professionals in your field. Develop a Strong Personal Brand
In today's competitive job market, it is important to develop a strong personal brand that showcases your skills, expertise, and accomplish- ments. A strong personal brand can help you stand out from other professionals and attract new opportunities. Who are you? What do
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May 2023 csengineermag.com
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