Mentorship and career growth are about building connections that accelerate professional development. For young engineers, mentorship goes beyond technical advice—it offers guidance on workplace dynamics, field experience, and long-term opportunities. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, this is a space to ask questions, gain insights, and share stories of both successes and lessons learned. Together, mentorship and growth create a roadmap from early career challenges to leadership and expertise.
Learning Objectives:
What was the biggest surprise you faced when you transitioned from school to working in the field?
How do you decide when to specialize in one niche versus keeping a broad base of skills?
What’s one mistake you made early in your career that turned into a valuable lesson?
How do you find mentors in a technical field where people are often busy and stretched thin?
What’s the best way to build confidence when you’re the youngest engineer in the room?
Which software, tools, or technical skills have given you the biggest career boost so far?
How do you balance getting field experience with wanting to move into project management?
What’s one thing you wish you’d asked your mentor (or boss) sooner?
How do you start building your professional network without feeling like you’re just collecting business cards?
Where do you see the biggest opportunities for young engineers in civil/structural/hydraulic/geotech over the next 10 years?
