In this episode, we speak with Tsandi Chen, EIT, structural engineer at HDR, about the value of in-person work, building better connections, leveraging LinkedIn to engage with senior engineers, and balancing technical details with big-picture thinking through smart questions.

Engineering Quotes:





Here Are Some of the Questions We Asked Tsandi:



What was your experience like working in an office as a new professional, and do you think it's essential for engineers to get office experience right after finishing school?

How have you built relationships across different disciplines throughout your career, and what advice would you give young engineers to develop strong interdisciplinary connections?

What strategies have you used on platforms like LinkedIn to successfully connect with senior engineers and industry leaders, and how did these interactions help you grow?

How has your ability to ask insightful questions evolved over your career, and why do you think this skill is crucial for early-career engineers?

What methods did you use to stay accountable early in your career, and what tips would you share with others in their early 20’s?

How do you balance focusing on the details of structural design while maintaining a broader understanding of the industry, including both big-picture and finer aspects of your work?

How do you determine which experiences are valuable for your growth, and how have you shaped your purpose in the field of structural engineering?

What is the most important piece of advice you would offer to those just starting their engineering careers?



Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Build Better Connections in Your Early Engineering Career:



In-person work is valuable for early-career engineers, as it allows for faster learning through quick access to senior staff for feedback and improves communication skills. It also helps engineers adapt to company culture more easily, encouraging growth and stronger connections.

Building relationships across disciplines is key for engineers, especially when working closely with architects and other professionals. Attending industry events and engaging with professionals outside of the office can provide valuable insights into different perspectives, helping engineers understand trends, challenges, and how to communicate more effectively across fields.

Cold contacting professionals, especially senior engineers, can feel intimidating, but many are more generous with their time than expected. Persistence and showing genuine interest by asking thoughtful, specific questions can lead to valuable learning opportunities and help build strong connections in the industry.

Asking smart questions starts with being clear about what you know and what you don't, which helps project managers provide the right guidance and enhances overall communication. This approach not only improves understanding but also demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn, which is crucial for growth in any discipline.

Holding yourself accountable early in your career is key to long-term success, and finding an accountability partner can help keep you on track with your goals. It's important to balance all areas of life, work, health, and personal relationships, since they all influence your overall performance and growth.

Balancing detailed structural design with a broader industry perspective helps engineers become more well-rounded and effective team members. By thinking about the bigger picture and how different disciplines and trends affect a project, engineers can contribute to better collaboration and more informed decision-making, benefiting both the project and the community it serves.

Finding your "why" in structural engineering starts with identifying what interests you and exploring d...